BENEFITS OF WEIGHT LOSS FOR ARTHRITIS

Obesity is a growing epidemic in the US.  More than 2/3 of Americans are overweight or obese.  Obesity increases the risk of many diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, strokes, and cancer.  Meanwhile, obesity is a major risk factor for people with arthritis.  Weight loss has many benefits for arthritis.

1. Relieve joint stress: Carrying extra weight is very harmful to weightbearing joints, leading to accelerated breakdown.  Losing as little as 5 pounds takes 20 pounds of stress off the joints.
2. Reduce inflammation: Obesity causes chemical reactions in the body that increase inflammation, which is terrible for arthritis.  Getting the BMI (body mass index) under 30 can decrease inflammation. 
3. Improve symptoms: Losing 5-10 pounds has been shown to reduce arthritic pain in the obese population. 
4. Slow the progression of the arthritic changes: For many types of chronic arthritis, weight loss can reduce or even stop disease activity, preventing joint damage.