Overweight and obesity increase the load on the joint surface, increase degeneration of cartilage cells, making the symptoms of the disease worse.
Osteoarthritis is a chronic disorder that damages the cartilage and tissues surrounding the joints. Pain is the most common symptom. Not only is it uncomfortable for the patient, prolonged pain can also lead to emotional disturbances and a host of other effects that reduce the quality of life.
Dr. Le Nhat Thanh, Orthopedic Trauma Center, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, said that weight and osteoarthritis are closely related. There is much evidence that being overweight or obese causes osteoarthritis to develop rapidly, worsening symptoms. The more severe osteoarthritis becomes, the less physical activity the patient has due to pain and changes in bone structure around the joint, further leading to fat accumulation and weight gain.
When the pain becomes unbearable, patients must undergo surgery to relieve pain and improve mobility. However, this surgery has many potential risks, according to Dr. Thanh.
Doctor Thanh gives health advice to patients. Photo: Provided by the hospital
According to Dr. Thanh, the two main mechanisms by which overweight and obesity adversely affect joints, especially large weight-bearing joints such as the knee joint, are biomechanics and metabolism.
Biomechanically, increased load on the joint surface due to being overweight increases the degeneration of cartilage cells. Mechanical receptors in the joints are stimulated to secrete many inflammatory mediators, leading to pain, the formation of bone spurs and long-term deviation of the limb axis.
In addition, the muscle groups around the joints act as shock absorbers, absorbing some of the force transmitted through the joint surface. Excessive body weight weakens these muscle groups.
Metabolically, adipose tissue has been shown to be an endocrine organ, secreting many inflammatory mediators that are harmful to the body, which are linked to osteoarthritis. The greater the amount of excess fat, the faster the rate of osteoarthritis and the more severe the symptoms.
In addition to using painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain, doctors often advise overweight osteoarthritis patients to lose weight, specifically reduce fat and increase strength of muscles around the joints. The first and core principle for weight loss is to ensure that energy intake is lower than energy use, eat less and exercise more.
Regarding nutrition, patients should supplement nutrients that can reduce inflammation such as omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin D, fiber commonly found in most fish (salmon, basa fish, catfish...), whole grains and nuts, vegetables, fruits. Foods containing bad fats such as animal fat should be limited...
Patients should maintain moderate exercise, at least 30 minutes a day, 3-5 days a week. Use protective gear if necessary to avoid injury. These habits help maintain joint flexibility and stability, and strengthen the muscles that support the joint.
Weight loss helps reduce pain and improve other symptoms of osteoarthritis. Photo: Freepik
Exercise also improves heart and lung health, especially reducing the risk of diabetes - an important factor in weight control. Some suitable sports for people with osteoarthritis are yoga, light weight lifting, walking, cycling, swimming...
Regardless of the form of exercise chosen, the patient needs to listen to the body, exercise and rest appropriately. If the pain lasts more than an hour after exercise, the patient should reduce the intensity of exercise and rest more or see a doctor.
Phi Hong
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