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Arthritis linked to obesity: weight loss can decrease risk

More Americans suffer from arthritis than ever before. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports an estimated 50 Million Americans have arthritis. Obesity appears to be a contributing factor and experts say weight loss can decrease your risk.

Prior to World Arthritis Day October 12, the CDC released the newest numbers from 2007- 2009, showing that almost 50 million US adults reported living with arthritis.  That is an increase from 46 million in 2003-2005.

CDC reports also indicate obesity may be a special problem in arthritis because one in three obese adults report having arthritis. Obesity is associated with incident knee osteoarthritis (OA), disease progression, disability, total joint replacement, and poor clinical outcomes after joint replacement and likely has a critical role in the increasing population burden and impact of arthritis. Even small amounts of weight loss, about 11 lbs.,  can cut the risk of getting knee osteoarthritis by 50 percent and can reduce mortality risk in patients with osteoarthritis.

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The Atlanta-based CDC recommends physical as an important part of a healthy lifestyle and managing chronic diseases such as arthritis and obesity. Physical activity can also help people with arthritis manage other chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.

Most people with arthritis can safely participate in a self-directed physical activity program or join one of many programs available in communities across the country. Some people may benefit from physical or occupational therapy.

If you have a problem with arthritis, check out the Arthritis Foundation's Self-Help program. For general information on arthritis, access the Arthritis Foundation Web site.  To support the Foundation's efforts to raise awareness and research funding, you can participate in the Jingle Bell Run. There will be one in Huntsville November 21. Click here for details.

, Huntsville Healthy Living Examiner

Karen Petersen is a former TV Reporter currently working in Financial Development. She gave up freelance writing when her first daughter was born in 2005, and is excited to be back in the reporter saddle as an "Examiner." Karen is a longtime walker who recently incorporated running into her...

Comments

  • John43 1 year ago

    Obesity and Diabetes is the direct result of food chemicals and the drug makers and FDA are laughing all the way to the BILLION DOLLARS BANK.

    Food chemicals break the gut (insulin) and causes diabetes and Obesity (THIS IS PROVEN)

    THAT IS WHY PEOPLE CANNOT LOSE WEIGHT! The diabetes drug makers took in 10 billion$ in one year!!! with no cure and drugs that gave heart attacks

    The FDA knows this AND supports the drugmakers!!

    A filmmaker has been reversing diabetes and Obesity in now 10 countries worldwide WITHOUT MEDICATIONS and the drug companies do not promote this

    just google SPIRIT HAPPY DIET

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