Dr Sumanth Madan

Aug 20: Obesity is not just a cosmetic issue; it is a major medical concern. Behind the veil of Type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk, the joints are often ignored which leads to decreased mobility. This propagates a vicious cycle of ‘too much weight, too much pain’.

The weight-bearing burden

Imagine climbing a flight of stairs with a heavy backpack strapped on for life- that is the daily reality for someone overweight. The result? Faster wear and tear of the joint’s protective cartilage – leading to osteoarthritis. Moreover, in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, this adds further shearing stress on these already damaged joints.

It’s more than just pressure

The story is not just mechanical stress. Fat tissue is biologically active. It releases chemicals called ‘adipokines’, which drive low-grade inflammation throughout the body. These inflammatory signals directly affect the joints. This translates to weaker cartilage, increase sensitivity to pain and ultimately poor response to treatment. We, as doctors, often see overweight patients failing to achieve targets due to their obesity.

Breaking the cycle

The good news: Even modest weight loss can make a big difference. Studies show that losing just 5-10% of body weight can reduce joint pain and improve mobility. Exercise that is gentle on joints like cycling and swimming can reduce joint pain and improve mobility. Gentle forms of Yoga – with a focus on controlled stretching will also help. Combine this with a healthy diet and this will halt on arthritis progression and improve quality of life to a large extent.

The takeaway

A few lost kilos, smarter exercise, and mindful eating can put you back in charge of your joints. Think of every extra kilo as extra pressure on your knees. Drop the load, ease the pain, and keep moving freely.

(Dr Sumanth Madan is a Consultant Rheumatologist in KMC Hospital, Mangaluru)