Can Weight Loss Relieve Joint Pain? What Changes in Your Knees, Hips and Back
Quick summary Excess body weight adds load to weight-bearing joints with every step, and excess body fat also fuels inflammation that can make joints more painful. Even modest weight loss can reduce joint load, ease pain and stiffness, and make daily movement easier. The best results usually come from combining nutrition, regular low-impact activity, lifestyle changes and, when appropriate, medical or surgical weight loss support. Press enter or click to view image in full size Why does extra weight make joints hurt? Your knees, hips, ankles and lower back carry your body weight every time you stand, walk, climb stairs or get up from a chair. When body weight rises, these joints take on much more force than they were designed to handle over the long term. Extra weight affects joints in two main ways: Press enter or click to view image in full size Joint pain also tends to create a cycle. Pain makes movement uncomfortable; less movement weakens the muscles that support the joints,...
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