Understanding the Tie Between Obesity and Arthritis
According to the CDC, one in five Americans has been diagnosed with arthritis. The condition is even more common among patients who are overweight.
Over one-third of obese Americans suffer from some form of arthritis. Considering these figures, medical researchers increasingly point toward the long-term effects of obesity on the body, including arthritis.
Bariatric surgery is a proven and effective treatment option for people who cannot moderate the impacts of obesity through diet and exercise alone.
Weight loss surgery provides the relief you need from arthritic joints.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is swelling and tenderness caused by inflammation of one or more joints on your body. The main symptoms of arthritis include joint stiffness and pain, which worsens with age.
The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis causes cartilage to break down over time, while rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that triggers the immune system to attack the joints.
Weight loss procedures are often used to address obesity and arthritic joints. One of the major weight loss procedures for this purpose is bariatric surgery.
This safe, effective, and realistic weight loss option for obese arthritis patients can help to achieve long-term weight loss.
Once the weight loss begins, the excessive pressure on knee joints progressively reduces. Patients can make greater movement and find it easier to do physical exercises, leading to further weight loss.
Patients should be aware that weight loss surgery is not a “cure-all” for arthritis, especially because the damage already suffered by the joint cartilage cannot be reversed except through joint replacement. The good news is that weight loss surgery can still play a vital role in fighting the painful symptoms of arthritis while preventing further degeneration of the joint tissue at the same time.
In cases where joint degradation has advanced to a stage where replacement surgery is necessary, the weight lost through metabolic surgery can make the joint replacement procedure easier.
Long-term results and arthritis relief are possible.
At Beltre Bariatrics, we offer a proven, multifaceted approach to bariatric surgery that will empower you to achieve your weight loss goals, improve your health and rebuild your self-confidence.
If you live with obesity and arthritis, weight loss surgery can help. Call 407-863-7110 or schedule a consultation today.
The doctors at Beltre Bariatrics Center for Metabolic & Obesity Surgery have reviewed and approved this content.
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