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Let’s be real: Losing weight is hard.

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But even if you don’t see the fruits of your efforts in the mirror (yet!

),subtle changes are starting to happen in your bodyeven if you just lose five pounds.

Here are 13 things that happen to your body when you start shedding weight.

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Also be sure to follow theseEating Habits to Lose Abdominal Fat As You Age, Say Dietitians.

Your Fat Cells Shrink

To lose weight, you take in fewer calories than you expend.

But where does your body get the extra energy it needs?

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“They become bigger than they were before you lost weight,” he says.

Ghrelin tells your brain that you are hungry and could eat," says Rousell.

No wonder you’re always hungry when you have a go at lose weight!

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It also improved immune system function.

Your Metabolic Rate Might Change

You know that your metabolism is the engine that drives calorie burn.

But those changes can be relative.

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“The severity in which you cut calories and increase exercise will also have an impact.

Slower, more gradual changes will have less of a negative impact [on your metabolism].”

And over time,that additional strain may lead to joint damage and osteoarthritis.

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Losing five pounds of excess weight could mean 20 fewer pounds of pressure on your precious joints.

Reducing the amount ofintra-abdominal fatmay lower your risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

The 7-day diet that melts your belly fat fast.

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You’ll Be More Efficient

Your body that is.

You’ll Sleep Better

Who couldn’t use some more quality sleep?

One study from theUniversity of Pennsylvaniafound that even a small amount of weight loss can improve sleep.

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That means you’ll have more energy and a better mood, too!

You May Lose Water Weight First

But it depends on how you change your diet.

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Strong fit aged man looking at his hand while training with dumbbells

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woman in sportswear choosing music for fitness on her smartphone while standing against treadmills at gym

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