Fight Obesity to improve joint functionality

Obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat gets accumulated to the extent that it may, lead to reduced life expectancy and/or increased health problems. People are considered obese when their body mass (BMI), a measurement obtained by dividing a person's weight by the square of the person's height, exceeds 30 kg/m², with the range 25-30 kg/m² defined as overweight.

Obesity increases the likelihood of various diseases, particularly heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, certain types of cancer, and osteoarthritis. Obesity is most commonly caused by a combination of excessive food energy intake, lack of physical activity, and genetic susceptibility, although a few cases are caused primarily by genes, endocrine disorders, medications, or psychiatric problems. Evidence to support the view that some obese people eat little yet gain weight due to a slow metabolism is limited. On average, obese people have greater energy expenditure than their thin counterparts due to the energy required to maintain an increased body mass.

Dieting and exercising are the main treatments for obesity. Diet quality can be improved by reducing the consumption of energy-dense foods, such as those high in fat and sugars, and by increasing the intake of dietary fiber. With a suitable diet, anti-obesity medicines may be taken to reduce appetite or decrease fat absorption. If diet, exercise, and medication are not effective, a gastric balloon may assist with weight loss.

Obesity is a leading preventable cause of death worldwide, with increasing rates in adults and children. Authorities view it as one of the most serious public health problems of the 21st century. Obesity is stigmatized in much of the modern world, though it was widely seen as a symbol of wealth and fertility at other times in history and still is in some parts of the world.

How Does Weight-loss Impact Joint Health and Function? 

If you have osteoarthritis in your hip, losing even a few pounds can help offset pressure on the joint and relieve hip pain. So, a necessary diet control can add the goodies in your health bag.

While we know that weight gain has a negative impact on joint health and function, we also know the reverse to be true – in general, weight-loss can have a very positive impact on joint health. A 2005 study that followed around 150 overweight and obese patients with OA found that a weight-loss of 5 percent brought about an average 18 percent improvement in OA symptoms, including reduced pain and improved joint function. With RA, maintaining a lower weight is linked to better outcomes and recovery. A study that looked at the response of RA patients to a common treatment, found that compared to those of normal weight, only about half of the overweight and obese patients went into a state of remission.

Overall, body weight is significantly connected to the health of your joints. One benefit of maintaining lower weight is clearly a reduced risk for all forms of joint disease. If you are overweight and suffer from arthritis, even small amounts of weight-loss may significantly improve the health and function of your joints.

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