Metabolic syndrome is a combination of health conditions — insulin resistance, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, and central obesity. 

When you have metabolic syndrome, you're at much higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Excess weight results in all of those conditions, as adipose (fat) cells release messengers that promote inflammation.

Weight loss of 5–10% improves insulin sensitivity, lowers blood pressure, and improves cholesterol, reducing metabolic syndrome risk.

Excess weight causes mechanical stress on your joints and increases inflammation.

That stress and inflammation accelerates the breakdown of cartilage in your joints. 

This can lead to worsening osteoarthritis and chronic pain.

Losing 5–10% of body weight reduces joint pain and improves overall function.

Excess weight impacts fertility in both men and women.

Obesity disrupts hormone balance and causes insulin resistance, both of which can lead to ovulatory dysfunction and PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome).

In men, obesity reduces testosterone, which impacts sperm quality.

Excess weight can also increase the risk of pregnancy complications -- like miscarriage, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia.

Weight loss of 5-10% can restore ovulation, improve fertility, and reduce the risk of pregnancy complications.