Weight Loss Can Reduce Pain from Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis with an estimated 27 million Americans affected by it – 60% of whom are women.
Many studies have identified obesity as the biggest risk factor for suffering from osteoporosis. Luckily, we’ve also learned a little bit about the amount of weight loss required to reduce an individual’s chances of suffering from this degenerative condition.
There’s no specific amount of weight an individual must lose to improve health outcomes, some experts have claimed that for every 11-pounds if weight loss, you can reduce your risk of osteoarthritis by 50 percent. If you’re suffering from osteoarthritis and want to improve your symptoms here are four action steps:
- Know your BMI. BMI, or body mass index, is measured by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared. Your BMI can be used to determine if you are within a healthy weight range. (Take a quick, two minute online BMI quiz.)
- Measure your waist circumference. Waist circumference can be another indicator of health risks. For men, it is considered too high if it is greater than 40 centimeters, and for women, it is considered too high if it is greater than 35 centimeters.
- Kick start your activity. Make at least moderate physical activity a regular part of your day, progressing to 30 minutes or more most days.
- Look at your diet. Focus on eating a low-fat, low sugar, high fiber diet. If you need help, work with your doctor or a nutritionist.