Being overweight increases pressure on the joints, causing faster joint degeneration; conversely, joint degeneration limits mobility, which contributes to weight gain.
What is Joint Degeneration?
Joint degeneration is a chronic disorder that damages cartilage and surrounding joint tissues. A study shows that the prevalence of joint degeneration in Vietnam is increasing, with 30% of people over 35, 60% of those over 65, and 85% of individuals over 85 experiencing joint issues.
The Relationship Between Joint Degeneration and Weight Gain
There is a close relationship between knee joint degeneration and body weight. Being overweight or obese accelerates the progression of joint degeneration. At the same time, as joint degeneration worsens, it affects the patient’s mobility, leading to fat accumulation and weight gain.
When climbing stairs, the knee joint in the supporting leg experiences pressure 2-3 times greater than body weight. (Image: Shutterstock)
Dr. Tăng Hà Nam Anh, Director of the Orthopedic Trauma Center at Tâm Anh General Hospital System, states that under normal conditions, body weight is evenly distributed across both knees. However, when moving, the entire body weight shifts and completely compresses the supporting leg. According to studies, when a person climbs stairs, the knee joint in the supporting leg (the bent leg) bears pressure 2-3 times greater than body weight. This is because the quadriceps muscle in front of the knee contracts and tightly compresses both sides of the joint to lift the body. The forward-leaning posture to maintain balance also shifts the body’s center of gravity onto the supporting leg, increasing pressure on the knee joint.
In the absence of external influences, the knee joint primarily suffers damage from weight and aging. Specifically, when a person is overweight or obese, it increases pressure on the knee joint, causing compression, which can crack or tear the cartilage; the greater the weight, the higher the pressure. This increases the risk of developing joint degeneration and accelerates the degeneration process, leading to faster cartilage damage in individuals already suffering from the condition. Over time, like other body parts, the knee joint weakens, and the cartilage surface wears down, resulting in joint degeneration.
Additionally, obese individuals often experience metabolic disorders, with elevated levels of cholesterol and harmful fats in the blood. This condition leads to faster death of cartilage cells and damage to the subchondral bone. Moreover, it increases the risk of diseases such as coronary artery disease, coronary artery stenosis, and diabetes. These cardiovascular and diabetes conditions exacerbate and accelerate knee joint degeneration.
To effectively treat joint degeneration, alongside medical prescriptions for medication, patients need to maintain a healthy weight. As weight decreases, pressure on the knee joint reduces, which also means the amount of medication the patient needs to take decreases.
Weight loss should be pursued alongside joint degeneration treatment according to the doctor’s regimen. (Image: Shutterstock).
Dr. Nam Anh emphasizes that weight loss should be conducted scientifically, aiming to lose 1-2 kg per month. Losing too much weight in a short period can lead to fatigue and collapse. The weight loss program should combine healthy nutrition and regular exercise.
The nutritional plan should ensure adequate nutrients, increasing the intake of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and fiber. It is important to limit fried and processed foods, as well as alcohol consumption.
Before starting an exercise regimen, patients should check their cardiovascular and knee joint function to choose appropriate and manageable sports activities. The exercise process should be carried out regularly following the 357 principle, exercising at least 30 minutes each day, five days a week.
