Tag: Weight Loss

ARTHRITIS AND OBESITY

Arthritis is a condition with inflammation of one or more joints. This results from break-down of cartilage that protects the joint endings leading to rubbing of the joint endings against each other causing pain, tenderness, difficulty in movement, swelling, etc.

Obesity is termed when one’s body mass index is more than 27.5.

Association between arthritis and obesity:

Arthritis and obesity are linked together with a high risk of arthritis in individuals with obesity or overweight.

Most common joints, that are affected are knee, hip, spine but other joints such as fingers, elbows, etc. are also affected.

Obesity affects joints by two factors:

  1. Stress of one’s own weight on weight bearing joints such as knee, hip and spine.
  2. Release of chemicals from increased fat tissue deposit in the body leading to the risk of inflammation of the joints.

These factors play a major role in increasing chances of arthritis as well as progression of arthritis in individuals who are already diagnosed.

Other effects of obesity on arthritis are decreased consideration of surgery for treatment such as arthroplasty due to complications and more time duration of recovery than usual because of constant pressure on joints due to the weight.

Treatment options along with preventive measures for arthritis include

  • primarily weight loss with healthy diet
  • small, regular meals at frequent intervals, disciplined and timely meals
  • regular exercises for 30-45 minutes a day for at least 4-5 days a week.
  • Preferable exercises are cycling, swimming, etc. that help in avoiding weight bearing on knees, hips.

References:

https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/comorbidities/obesity-arthritis/fat-and-arthritis.php

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4613154/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3788203/

https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/arthritis-an-overview/

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2012/0101/p49.html

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arthritis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350777

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoarthritis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351930

-Dr. Divya Teja Pasupuleti

 

 

Fatty tissue that can help burn calories

Did you ever think that fat could itself help burn extra calories. Fat in excess of the body’s need is used to produce heat by what is called as the brown adipose tissue. This can be one of the most promising natural ways to avoid excess fat deposition. But unfortunately this brown adipose tissue diminishes with age and its activity needs to be restored such that it can exert its calorie burning effect. Continue reading “Fatty tissue that can help burn calories”

How to manage elevated triglycerides

Indian population with predisposition to fat deposit in the abdominal area is more prone to high triglycerides than cholesterol. High waist circumference is a clear indication of high fat percentage in the body and an elevated triglyceride is a direct test to confirm the same. Although triglycerides is an important test within the lipid profile , it is often not understood by many. High triglycerides can independently increase risk of heart diseases and needs to be treated as seriously as high cholesterol.The management approach to high triglycerides is similar to that of cholesterol but additional points have to be remembered.

Continue reading “How to manage elevated triglycerides”

5 tips to prevent obesity

5 tips to prevent obesity

Obesity is one of the most common lifestyle diseases globally. More often than not, it is caused by a lifestyle that has too little activity and/ or too much (often unhealthy and junk) food. BMI (Body Mass Index) is one of the common indicators to check if you are obese. Apart from BMI, your waist size is another significant indicator to determine if you are overweight or obese.

Obesity may give rise to several other health complications like diabetes, hypertension or even a stroke or heart attack. Here are some tips you can follow to avoid becoming obese or even overweight. It’s better than to get started NOW rather than waiting for your weight (and hence BMI) to shoot up before starting! Continue reading “5 tips to prevent obesity”