Will varicose veins disappear with weight loss?

It’s no secret that being a healthy weight is beneficial for our health. But will varicose veins disappear with weight loss? Unfortunately not. However, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight does support venous health. Read on to find out how, and the steps you need to take to get rid of varicose veins.

How do varicose veins develop?

There are many factors in the development of varicose veins – genetics, obesity, pregnancy and standing for long periods. Over time, the one-way valves responsible for pushing blood back up towards the heart weaken. This causes blood to pool, creating swollen, bulging veins under the skin’s surface.

How weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight affects vein health

Carrying excess weight puts more pressure on veins and capillaries. This not only further exacerbates vein insufficiency, but increases the risk of new varicose veins. By losing weight, blood flows more efficiently, putting less pressure on veins, and often reducing discomfort and swelling.

Limitations

Although weight loss is of benefit to venous health in general, it won’t shrink or eradicate existing varicose veins. There may be a reduction in swelling resulting in a marginal improvement in the appearance of leg veins, but they will still be visible. The weakening of the vein walls and valves is irreversible.

The only way to achieve long-term relief from this common condition is to treat the affected veins. This should always be performed by a specialist venous consultant surgeon and team who have the knowledge, skills and experience to achieve the best possible long-term results for you. Options include walk-in-walk-out, keyhole procedures such as Radiofrequency Ablation, Endovenous Laser Treatment and Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy.

Learn more about these treatments in our ‘Best Varicose Vein Treatment Options’ >>

How to lose weight safely

To lose weight without compromising your health, it’s important to plan ahead and set yourself up for success.

Follow a balanced diet

We all know that nutrients are important. But did you know that including protein and good fats in each meal helps to keep you satiated and avoid snacking? Be sure to include plenty of fruit and veg to cover essential vitamins, minerals and fibre too.

Get moving

Regular exercise helps to increase metabolism, build muscle and boost confidence. Walking is a good place to start if you’re not used to regular exercise.

Get orgainised

Plan meals in advance. It will allow you to control portion size and avoid the pitfalls of last-minute unhealthy choices in response to hunger pangs.

Commit to the long game

Achieving a target weight can seem daunting. Some days may feel harder than others. Start slowly by making small changes so that your new habits are more likely to stick and produce long term results. Rather than looking at the top of the mountain, look at the steps you need to take to get there each day.

Eat regularly

Balancing blood sugar is essential not only for avoiding temptation but will keep you functioning optimally throughout the day.

Get support

Support can take many forms. It might be an online or face-to-face group, your GP, friends and family or your faithful dog! Knowing you’re not alone boosts confidence and makes you accountable.

Visit the NHS website for more weight loss tips.

How to maintain a healthy weight

You’ve successfully executed the difficult part – making the changes in the first place. So how do you go about making sure the weight doesn’t creep back on?

Introducing sustainable diet and exercise changes early in the process is key. But according to John Hopkins University School of Medicine, support systems and behavioural strategies also play an instrumental part in maintaining a healthy weight.

Maintaining a healthy weight needn’t feel overwhelming with an easy-to-follow plan of action.

Set goals that mean something

Want to trek a long-distance trail, fit into a dress, or have more energy? Be honest about what really matters to you.

Cultivate awareness of triggers

It’s common to turn to snacking when stressed or tired. Get to know the signs and replace bad habits with healthy ones.

Get creative

Now that you’re fitter and have more energy, is there a new activity you’d like to try? Dancing, yoga, pilates and regular walking are particularly good forms of exercise for people with varicose veins.

Reward yourself

You deserve it!

How we can help

Our world-leading venous specialists can help you rejuvenate your legs and provide long-term relief from the symptoms of varicose veins.

Flagship walk-in-walk-out treatments

We offer consultation, diagnosis and walk-in-walk-out procedures all under one roof at our private award-winning clinics in Birmingham, Solihull, Leamington Spa and London.

All of our procedures are tailored to treat your individual needs, ensuring lasting results with minimal recovery time. We also offer fixed pricing plans with no hidden fees and a 12-month satisfaction guarantee.

Start your treatment with a FREE mini-consultation

If you’d like to bring your legs back to looking and feeling their best, we’d love to help. Get in touch to book a FREE, no-obligation mini-consultation or call 0333 366 2246 to speak to a member of our expert team today.