It seems these days everybody wants to lose weight, or has some easy way to drop 10 pounds. But there is no magic pill, the only healthy way to lose weight is to make a change by reducing calorie intake, and increasing calorie burn with a healthy diet and exercise. For many people making a permanent change can be difficult, depriving and often depressing. Before you think you’re alone with the blues check out a little information on weight loss, and its connection to your mood.

Does Weight Loss and Happiness Go Hand in Hand?
Research has suggested that losing even a small percentage of body weight can improve both physical and mental health, even if the person who has experienced the weight loss is still obese. Not only that, but when you exercise your body produces chemical in the brain that actually make you happier. One study showed that even a moderate amount of aerobic exercise boosted the mood of participants for as long as twelve hours. During exercise your body produces a neurotransmitter called Serotonin, or 5-HT that is derived from tryptophan. This feel-good neurotransmitter is found in the gastrointestinal tract, blood platelets and in the central nervous system. It is thought to be one of the most important contributors to feelings of well-being, and happiness. Serotonin is also involved in other cognitive functions like memory, learning and metabolism.