How body weight contributes to osteoarthritis

In the past, the link between body weight and osteoarthritis was simply thought to be due to changes in joint loading resulting from increased body weight. However, the fact that obesity is also linked to osteoarthritis in joints that don’t bear weight- such as the hand- suggests that the relationship between body weight and osteoarthritis is much more complex. We now know that higher weight can contribute to osteoarthritis in several ways.

These factors can all play a role in the development of osteoarthritis in the first place. They can also lead to a cycle of worsening symptoms, physical inactivity and more weight gain.

To summarise, higher body weight is a major contributor to osteoarthritis as a risk factor for both the development of osteoarthritis and of worsening joint symptoms. The good news is that body weight can be changed, which can have positive benefits for your osteoarthritis and general health.