Benefits of weight loss for people with osteoarthritis
Weight loss helps osteoarthritis patients ease pain, improve musculoskeletal system and other functions.
Osteoarthritis is common in the elderly due to wear and tear of articular cartilage, the cushion between bones and joints. It often causes pain and inflammation in the joints of the hands, knees, hips, and back. Although the disease cannot be completely cured with medication, experts recommend that losing weight can ease inflammation and reduce the risk of joint damage, avoiding the need for joint surgery later.
Studies show that people who are overweight have a higher rate of knee arthritis than those of a stable weight. According to a research report in the journal Anatomy and Rheumatology (USA), people with a BMI of 30-35 are five times more likely to develop knee osteoarthritis than those with a BMI below this level. Being overweight can also increase inflammation from osteoarthritis, caused by an overactive immune system. Losing weight and maintaining a reasonable weight bring many benefits and help restore the musculoskeletal system for patients.
Relieve joint pain
Reducing body weight helps to reduce the load on the musculoskeletal system. A study report in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that, after losing at least 10% of body weight, people with osteoarthritis can significantly improve joint pain. People who follow a diet and exercise schedule also improve pain and gradually restore musculoskeletal function.
Improve joint function
Research in the JAMA Medical Journal (USA) shows that losing weight can help improve patients’ joint function. The researchers found that there was less mechanical stress in and around the patient’s knee joint as the body was lighter. Weight loss also plays an important role in improving knee mobility.
Reduce inflammation
Obesity can increase inflammation in the body, leading to joint pain. Studies show that weight loss contributes to a reduction in inflammatory cytokines in the body. Patients affected by the problem of being overweight also have more joint pain, because the weight-bearing joints of the body also suffer from pain leading to increased inflammation. The main weight-bearing joints of the body include the hips, knees, and ankles.
Sleep better
The pain of musculoskeletal disease can interfere with the patient’s sleep, leading to long-term sleep problems. Research from the Background Sleep Foundation (USA) in April 2021 said that losing weight can help you sleep better. Getting enough sleep can promote smooth weight loss and reduce cravings.
Elderly people should maintain an appropriate weight, be physically active to reduce the risk of osteoarthritis. Image: Freepik
Improves overall health
The effects of obesity from osteoarthritis are not limited to the joints but also increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and depression. Exercise is one of the effective ways to reduce inflammation in the whole body and prevent heart, blood sugar and cholesterol problems.
Save on health care costs
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), osteoarthritis is a group of diseases with high treatment costs. In addition, treatment and joint replacement surgery are also very expensive. Weight loss solutions help patients improve joint function and reduce pain in time and reduce the cost of joint replacement surgery later.
Osteoarthritis patients can practice losing weight slowly, under the guidance of a doctor. Patients should set specific goals to lose weight, make lifestyle changes such as eating healthy, not smoking, and managing stress. The help and spiritual support from the patient’s family and friends is also the driving force to help the weight loss journey be maintained throughout.
According to Harvard Medical School, osteoarthritis patients can apply low-impact exercise, such as swimming, cycling and walking. Patients should avoid exercises or sports that can cause musculoskeletal strain such as running, jumping, turning quickly or stopping suddenly. Certain hip and knee stretching exercises to ease pain can also help prevent hip stiffness and improve knee flexibility.
Patients should make small changes first, focusing on the routine for a few weeks, like starting with a 15-minute walk a day and gradually increasing the time as you get used to it. Alternatively, patients can replace unhealthy snacks with fresh fruits and vegetables before adopting a specific diet plan. Drinking enough water can also promote weight loss, help maintain energy and control appetite.
Mai Trinh (Follow Verywell Health)
at Blogtuan.info – Source: vnexpress.net – Read the original article here
