Most of us know that maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for our overall health and wellbeing. In case of arthritis, the conditions of being underweight or overweight are both separately connected with an increased risk of cause-specific mortality. Weight loss usually reflects inflammation and comorbidities, chronic illness and other factors.
Evidently, being overweight raises the load on the weight-bearing joints such as the knee. This leads to an increase in the stress and accelerates the breakdown of cartilage.

Benefits of Losing Excess Body Weight for Arthritis Patients:

  • Decreases pressure on the joints: Losing weight can help to decrease the pain associated with arthritis. Additionally, extra body weight exerts more pressure on our joints, which not only elevates the risk of developing arthritis but, also increases the pain and swelling associated with this disease.
  • Decreases the risk of heart disease: Studies reveal that people with a certain type of arthritis are at an higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
  • Eases pain and inflammation: Weight loss can relieve the pain, improve function and reduce the inflammation. Fat acts as an active tissue, which liberates the pro-inflammatory chemicals.
  • Reduces the risk of chronic diseases: Weight loss can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, cancer and certain other chronic diseases, this can help to prevent and treat arthritis.
  • Leads to good sleep in the night: Joint pain interferes with sleep and sometimes results in insomnia. Weight loss can help to get good sleep in the night.
  • Save money: Treatment of arthritis can be costly especially if it requires surgery. Weight loss can help to improve function and ease the pain.
  • Improves joint function: Weight loss can help to improve joint function.

Strategies to Lose Weight in Arthritis:

  • Keep Your Goal realistic: Keep your goals simple and do not think much about ideal body weight.
  • Choose low- impact exercises: Choose low- impact exercises such as water aerobics or swimming.
  • Eat healthy: Eating healthy food plays a significant role.
  • Get Help: Get help from your doctors and friends. Talk to your doctor and make goals with your friends.