There are innumerable reasons why you may want to lose weight – to improve your overall health, to look and feel great, and to reduce the risk of chronic disorders such as heart disease or diabetes. Did you know that if you are overweight, losing a few pounds can significantly take pressure off your joints and relieve joint pain?
Osteoarthritis, which is a form of degenerative joint disease, is one of the leading causes of disability in the US. A few pounds of extra weight on your frame can result in faster destruction of joint cartilage resulting in painful bone-on-bone arthritis.
A recent research study on a group of older individuals with knee osteoarthritis reported that a 1-pound weight loss resulted in a 4-pound reduction in stresses acting on the knee with each step taken. If you calculate the accumulated stress reduction over a 1-mile walk, it works up to 4800 pounds, and that’s just for a 1-pound weight loss!
Joint pain can be relieved by pain medications, but why risk side effects when losing a few pounds may be all that you need to do. This can be accomplished safely by consulting your doctor or a medical professional before embarking on a weight loss program. Take it slow and steady, aiming to lose no more than 1-2 pounds in a week. Remember, even a few pounds lost makes a big difference to your joints.
In addition to slowing down the age-related wear and tear of your joints, losing weight helps you to be more flexible and perform physical tasks more efficiently. Improved mobility and reduced joint pain will certainly change your outlook on life and inspire you to achieve even greater levels of fitness.
NewportCare Medical Group is a comprehensive specialty group located in Newport Beach, California. Our board-certified and fellowship-trained physicians provide a wide range of services for all your medical needs. Call us today for an appointment.
