Obesity can cause joint difficulties, which may be common information.
However, new research indicates that it doesn’t take as much excess weight as we might believe to affect the knees, resulting in discomfort, stiffness, and mobility issues that may necessitate knee replacement surgery.
According to studies by the International Congress on Obesity, acquiring just 11 pounds increased the likelihood of total knee replacement for women by 34% and for men by 25%. Researchers published findings from two investigations that included 264,000 participants. However, they looked at 23 research that concentrated on obesity and osteoarthritis of the knee.
The most prevalent kind of arthritis, osteoarthritis, also referred to as “wear and tear” arthritis, is characterised by joint inflammation. Although it can arise in any joint, it frequently affects the weight-bearing joints of the spine, hips, and knees.
In a joint, the cartilage that cushions the gap between the bones deteriorates over time. If the problem worsens, bones may start to rub against one another, which would be painful and restrict movement.
No treatment exists. However, The Washington Post noted that 750,000 procedures are thought to be conducted annually in this country for knee replacements.
According to the researchers, their findings provide yet another justification for people to maintain a healthy weight now rather than later needing to shed additional pounds.
