Overweight Increases Risk of Developing Osteoarthritis

Overweight people are at high risk for developing osteoarthritis, especially knee osteoarthritis. As a matter of fact, studies have consistently shown that overweight women have 4 times the risk and overweight men have 5 times the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis when compared to people who are normal body weight.

• Knee Osteoarthritis - What You Need to Know
• Hip Osteoarthritis - What You Need to Know
• Hand Osteoarthritis - What You Need to Know

Overweight people also have a higher risk of developing hip osteoarthritis, though the correlation is not as strong as it is with knee osteoarthritis. Unexpectedly, studies have also shown an association between being overweight and the risk of developing hand osteoarthritis.

• Does weight loss dramatically reduce the risk of developing osteoarthritis?
• How is weight loss connected to improved function and relief of osteoarthritis symptoms?
• Are doctors recommending weight loss and weight control to their overweight patients?

If you are overweight, bring up the subject of weight loss with your doctor, especially if your doctor hasn't already started the conversation. Eat a healthy diet, improve your level of physical activity, and find the motivation you need to make necessary changes. Read more in Overweight: A Risk Factor for Osteoarthritis.

More Related Resources:

• Osteoarthritis Risk Factors
• What Makes People With Arthritis Overweight?
• Advice for Arthritis Patients About Weight Loss
• Does a Sedentary Lifestyle Make Arthritis Worse?
• Hand Osteoarthritis and Being Overweight - What’s the Connection?

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