Arthritis and Obesity: a Direct Link

When a person is obese, they have an increase in many different health issues. These conditions can further complicate a patient's life, as they can become life threatening and many will require surgery.

Arthritis, Obesity and Other Problems

Arthritis and obesity can be seen as being related. When a person is obese they are at an increased risk for developing osteoarthritis. This form of arthritis is one of the most common. This disorder is most commonly found in the hands, neck, feet and knees. Osteoarthritis affects these joints when there is a breakdown of cartilage in the joints resulting in the joints rubbing against each other and causing excessive damage.

There does seem to be a connection between arthritis and obesity. Arthritis and obesity may be connected as increased weight does have an impact on the joints. This weight distribution can be seen as a problem especially on the knees. If a person is obese, it puts a lot of pressure on the knees and feet and this may be why there is a connection between arthritis and obesity.

Studies have shown that men and women who are obese have a much higher incidence of having to have hip replacement surgery as well as knee surgery. There is much evidence to support that being obese causes a lot of strain on the joints.

Arthritis and obesity are not the only disorder associated with one another. Obesity is also seen as a possible trigger for type 2 diabetes. This condition affects many who are obese and they have to rely on insulin in order to get their bodies to handle the glucose levels. Obesity makes the pancreases work harder to control glucose levels, and in many obese people, it finally shuts down.

Strokes and heart disease are two other conditions associated with obesity. Both of these are thought to be a result of increased weight and the hardship it places on a persons system to circulate blood.

There seems to be plenty of studies that also show that by loosing as little as 5 to 10 per cent of your total weight can improve your health dramatically. By losing weight a person can improve not only their self-esteem but also help their overall health. By just increasing activity levels and decreasing fat intake, a patient can begin to see improvements.

Arthritis and obesity are definitely connected to one another as well as to other health problems. It is important to talk with a physician to determine your own health risks.

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