Reason 7: You can enjoy better medical care

Some doctors associate obesity with unpleasant character traits including hostility, dishonesty and poor hygiene, research has shown. In fact, in a survey of nearly 2,500 overweight and obese women, 69 percent said they had experienced bias during a doctor visit. The unfortunate result is that doctors spend less time with overweight patients and even avoid doing preventive exams and screenings, a Yale University Rudd Center report concluded.

Make one change: Find a doctor who works with obese and overweight patients. Have a frank conversation with your current (or new) doctor about the possible causes of your weight problem.

NextReason 8: You lower your risk of incontinence