5 Surprising Things—Good And Bad—Nobody Tells You About Losing Weight

Major weight loss can make just about any person look and feel better than ever. But it has a much greater impact than simply helping you fit into your skinny jeans.

Did you know that dropping your overall body weight by just 5% or 10% can lower your risk of developing diabetes and heart disease?

Aside from improving your overall health and self-confidence, there are plenty of other side effects of major weight loss—but not all of them are positive.

Here are 5 things—both good and bad—that nobody tells you about losing weight:

1. Your favorite foods might change: If you’re losing weight in a fairly short amount of time, certain foods may start tasting better—or worse—for no apparent reason. A recent Stanford University study found that about 87% of bariatric surgery patients reported a change in their sense of taste after losing weight. Of those participants, about half said their food tasted sharper, while the rest said it tasted duller. Not surprisingly, the individuals who tasted food less intensely lost close to 20% more weight over three months than those whose taste was heightened.
2. Your memory may seem sharper: While previous research found that obesity was linked to poor memory—especially in pear-shaped women—one recent Swedish study determined that weight loss can improve it. The 2013 study tested a group of older women before and after following a weight-loss plan for six months, and found that they scored much higher on memory tests once they lost weight.
3. Your energy levels will soar: When it comes to losing weight, most people notice an increase in their energy levels before the number on the scale even drops. Why? Well, it’s really not all that complex. When your body is carrying less weight, it doesn’t have to use as much energy to get you through the day. On top of that, weight loss also improves oxygen efficiency, which is why you might find it easier to climb that extra flight of stairs after starting a new diet.
4. Your spouse may resent your new body: While you probably expect your friends to feel a little jealous of your newfound confidence, it’s hard to believe that your spouse may as well. In a 2013 study from North Carolina State University, researchers found that dropping 60 pounds or more in a two-year span usually improved couples’ relationships, but not everyone felt happy for their partner. While some simply feel like they have to reconsider their own health choices when their spouse is doing so well, others actually feel scared that their partner’s personality will change.
5. Your depression may not disappear: It’s hard to tell if depression makes a person gain weight or if weight gain causes depression. Either way, most people do feel significantly happier after extreme weight loss—but that’s not true for everyone. Losing weight is not the magical solution to all your problems. If the issue behind your depression stems from something deeper than your body, then it has to be dealt with before you can truly overcome it.

Are you surprised by these side effects of weight loss? Let us know in the comments!

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