Obesity can cause a plethora of health issues including heart disease, diabetes, respiratory problems and early onset of arthritis, just to name a few. Obesity is sweeping the nation like an epidemic and the problems that come along with it are multiplying. Over the last 30 years, the obesity rate in the United States has doubled and it is now estimated that 30% of Americans are considered obese.

Along with many other health issues, it seems as though obesity is causing a much younger pool of patients to suffer from arthritis, eventually resulting in joint replacement surgery. Wear and tear on our joints is part of life and as we age, it is inevitable that there will be cartilage loss resulting in some pain and stiffness. Obesity however, increases the chance of developing arthritis and developing it much earlier in life. For every 15 extra pounds you carry, your knees feel 45 pounds of weight. To be considered obese, your BMI is 30 or higher. Consider this – if you are 50 pounds overweight, your knees feel about 150 pounds of extra weight.

Weight loss is the most obvious solution to relieving joint pain, but not always the easiest. In order to reduce your chances of developing arthritis, you don’t have to lose 100 pounds. Studies have shown that losing just 11 pounds can help reduce your risk of developing arthritis by 50%. Weight loss can be even more difficult when dealing with painful joints but it is still possible. The key is to find low impact exercises like swimming or cycling. It is important to keep moving and attempt to lose weight even before arthritis may set in. Obesity can cause complications during joint replacement surgery, should that need arise. Recovery is longer in heavier patients and the implants may not have as long a life span.