Obesity and even being modestly overweight can have an adverse effect on the joints that bear a persons weight. In particular, it can increase arthritis pain symptoms.
Studies have proven that the joints of the hips, knees and ankles carry 3 to 5 times a persons total body weight during walking. If a person is overweight, walking adds 3 to 5 pounds of extra weight to each knee. However, losing 10 pounds can take off 30 to 50 pounds from the weight supported by the joints.
Arthritis affecting the joints will result in additional pain and inflammation, particularly when the joints are burdened by excess weight.
Overweight people are more susceptible to Osteoarthritis, a disease also known as the “wear-and-tear” arthritis.
Research has shown that shedding excess weight can decrease the risk for Osteoarthritis of the knee. In sufferers, losing weight can decelerate the development of the disease.
Guidelines For Weight Loss
The National Institute of Health (NIH) has ceased using height and weight charts in the management of obesity and excess weight. Measurement of overweight patients include: