Carrying extra weight is harmful to multiple aspects of your wellbeing — including the joints. Your weight may be affecting your joints more than you realize, especially if you’re at an increased risk of arthritis.
Here, we’ll discuss how your body weight can impact the health of your joints. At Hernando Orthopaedic, we offer lifestyle change services, including the hCG diet, to help you shed excess pounds and improve your overall wellness.
The Impact of Excess Weight on the Joints
Carrying excess pounds can affect your joints in two main ways:
Excess Pressure on the Joints
Being overweight puts more pressure on the joints with every step that you take. Your weight-bearing joints already bear a high degree of force whenever you walk, and that force is even higher when you’re walking at an incline, running, or partaking in other physical activities. Excess weight puts additional stress on the joints, which leads to faster wear and tear. As the joints break down more quickly than they would at a healthy weight, you’ll be at a higher risk of joint conditions like osteoarthritis.
Inflammation
In addition to the added pressure on the joints, being overweight can put your joints at risk due to inflammation. Weight gain is linked to increased inflammation, which is harmful to various aspects of your health. When it comes to your joints, inflammation can cause pain and stiffness. Over time, higher levels of inflammation can accelerate joint degeneration.
By losing even a small amount of weight, you’ll reduce the stress on your joints and inflammation in the body. Dr. Higgins is highly experienced and knowledgeable in the hCG diet, which has shown reliable results for rapid weight loss. If you’re looking to lose weight and improve your joint health, contact us today to learn more about our hCG diet and lifestyle services.