Obesity Can Lead to Permanent Knee Damage

In a study that was conducted to know the effect of obesity on knee arthritis and a patient's ability to recover from knee surgery it was found that weight loss can improve knee pain in obese patients with knee osteoarthritis, but may lead to permanent knee damage. The studies have been presented at the 2011 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).

Also, two new studies released today examine whether obesity contributes to greater complications after hip and knee replacement surgery.

Obesity - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Complications, Treatment
Obesity is a condition where there is excess accumulation of body fat which poses a risk to the health of the individual. It can affect children and adults.

The first study considers patients in the "super obese" category who have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 45.

Ran Schwarzkopf, co-investigator and chief resident, New York University Hospital for Joint Diseases, and his research team found that the number of overall complications were significantly higher for the "super-obese" compared to non-obese.

The second study analyzed complication rates for morbidly obese patients (BMI greater than 40) after total joint replacement (TJR).

Osteoarthritis - Causes, Symptoms, DIagnosis, Treatment, FAQs
Osteoarthritis is one of the commonest joint disorder and occurs as we age due to wear and tear of a joint. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint of the body.

Led by Richard J. Friedman, co-investigator and Chairman, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Roper Hospital, Charleston, SC, the study found that morbid obesity contributed to a significantly higher incidence of complications such as redness around the surgical wound, swelling of the legs, bacterial infections, respiratory disorders, neurologic and gastrointestinal complications and cardiac arrhythmias following total hip and knee replacements.

Another new study released analyzed the effects of isolated weight loss via bariatric surgery on knee osteoarthritis. The study found that isolated weight loss following bariatric surgery resulted in significant improvements in knee pain, stiffness and function.

Body Mass Index
The BMI calculator helps you assess your weight indicating if it is normal or if you are underweight or overweight, based on your height.

The findings are from a series of studies yet to be published.

Source-ANI

How to Lose Weight?
Slide show which explains obesity causes and tips on how to lose weight. Exercising before breakfast is most effective for weight loss.