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Link Between Obesity and Orthopedic Problems


Clinically Reviewed by: Dr. Shahid

Obesity has turned from a small health concern to a global health concern. According to scientific research and resources over 1 billion people worldwide are living with obesity, that includes over 650 million adults, 340 million adolescents, and 39 million children. It is an alarming fact that has affected the health of individuals as well as the mainstream healthcare services and home healthcare services. However, it can be managed with the right guidance and information from trusted sources. MedInstant helps you understand the basics of obesity and the link between obesity and orthopedic problems.


What is Obesity? Who is considered obese?


The World Health Organization defines obesity as an abnormal or excessive accumulation of body fat that poses a health risk, and has adopted BMI—calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared—as the standard tool for its diagnosis and classification. In layman terms obesity is a disease where the body accumulates excessive fat and has a body mass index of 30 and more.


Chiropractor with Patients at Home

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “overweight” and “obesity” are labels for weight ranges that exceed what is generally considered healthy for a given height.


  • Overweight: BMI 25.0 kg/m²

  • Obesity (General): BMI 30.0 kg/m²

  • Class I (Moderate): 30.0–34.9 kg/m²

  • Class II (Severe): 35.0–39.9 kg/m²

  • Class III (Morbid/Very Severe): 40.0 kg/m²

Source : World Health Organization (WHO)

Generally the Body mass index is calculated as

BMI=height (m² ) / weight (kg)


Causes of Obesity

Obesity is more than just binge eating and lack of movement. It can be a complex mix of various pain and mobility issues that can be managed with the right care and physical therapies provided by physiotherapist and chiropractor at home.


One among the many reasons could be


  • Genetics

  • Slow metabolic rate

  • Processed Food

  • Inactivity

  • Depression

  • Hormones

  • Medications


Effect of Obesity on Joints

Obesity can have a major effect on your daily activities and overall health. It can damage the joints to the extent that it limits mobility and independence. It could be also lead to:


  1. Osteoarthritis- It is a common joint issue where the protective cartilage wears down due to excessive weight. Each pound gives 4 times extra weight on the joints further leading to severe joint pain and stiffness.


  1. Tissue Degeneration- Obesity and joint pain can sometimes lead to enlarged tissues, oxidative stress on the cells and damage the adipose tissue around the joint.


  1. Pain & Inflammation- Extra weight on the body can lead to soft tissue and muscle stiffness, stress on joints and spine, and chronic inflammation that affects daily life.

  1. Posture Issues & Misalignment- Increased load on the spine can affect the spinal alignment and lead to posture issues. It can also lead to weak muscle balance, weak core and glutes.


  1. Fracture & Falls - Obesity and musculoskeletal disorders associated with it often increases the chances of fall as it alters the center of gravity for those living with obesity. It puts extra load on the body to maintain an upright posture.


Obesity and Orthopedic Health

Alongside metabolic health and heart health, obesity can have a long term impact on your orthopedic health too, some which can be reversed if diagnosed on time. Timely diagnosis and effective medical care can help manage orthopedic issues due to excess weight.


How to manage obesity related knee pain and back pain at home?

Weight management might be the long term solution to obesity, existing obesity related knee pain and back pain can be managed with home healthcare services such as:


Exercise & Physiotherapy- Exercise guided by a physiotherapist at home can bring long term relief and mobility. It can also help regain lost independence after a brief period of obesity related mobility issues. You can read more about physiotherapy at home for knee pain and choose the one that suits your medical requirements.


Chiropractor at Home - You can call for a chiropractor at home for joint pain. With the right manual adjustment and massaging technique, they can help you get rid of the back pain and help restore joint functions for a healthy pain free living.


Before choosing the home healthcare service for your pain, it is important to be well aware about the service and choose professional service for your health. Taking chances at health and choosing a service that doesn't fulfil your health needs might do more harm than good.


Conclusion:

Obesity is more than just a disease, it is a musculoskeletal challenge affecting a major population of Indians. However, weight management, musculoskeletal therapies such as physiotherapy, chiropractic adjustment can prevent less stress on the joints and prevent any further damage to health and help.

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