Knee problems is part of the list of ailments that obese people face. Overweight leads many people to repair cartilage tears in the knee. Recently a study has been conducted to find out the relationship between knee problems and obesity. The study found that if a person’s body-mass index is slightly more than the healthy range, then that person is three times more likely to have a cartilage tear. It is found that the heavy men are 15 times more likely to have torn knee cartilage, and women in the same category are at 25 times more risk.
There are probably several factors involved in the meniscal injuries and obesity correlation. It is more than just putting more pressure on the knees. One possibility is that obese people have circulation problems that reduce the blood supply to the cartilage. Now researchers are just barely at the point of recognition of the severity of the problem. Unfortunately, we don’t have a good treatment and prevention strategy yet.
Research studies also showed that obese women have nearly 4 times the risk of knee problems compared to non-obese women. For obese men, the risk is nearly 5 times greater. Overweight individuals in their thirties who do not have knee problems are at a greater risk of developing the disease later. Investigations that performed repeated x-rays over time also have found that being overweight significantly increases the risk of developing knee problems. It is estimated that persons in the highest quintile of body weight have up to 10 times the risk of knee problems than those in the lowest quintile.
Can Weight Loss Reduce the Risk of Knee Problems?
Even small amounts of weight loss can reduce the risk of developing knee problems. Preliminary studies suggest weight loss decreases pain substantially in people with knee problems.
Here are Some Facts in Support of This
- Among women with a baseline body mass index (BMI) over 25, weight loss was associated with a significantly lower risk of knee problems.
- For a woman of normal height, for every 11 lb weight loss i.e. approximately 2 BMI units, the risk of knee problems dropped by 50%. Conversely, a comparable weight gain was associated with an increased risk of developing knee problems later.
- The investigators concluded that in elderly persons, if obese men with BMI over 30 lose enough weight to fall into the overweight category and men in the overweight category lose enough weight to move into the normal weight category i.e with BMI less than 26, knee problems would decrease by 21.5%. Similar changes in weight category of women would result in a 33% decrease in knee problems.
- A handful of studies have indicated that weight loss substantially reduced reports of pain as well. Thus, weight loss potentially offers an important modifiable factor in the behavioral treatment of knee problems.
How to Naturally Treat Knee Problems Due to Obesity?
The best way to address the knee problems due to obesity is by following fasting and exercise regime. Fasting is a natural way to reduce obesity and enhance fitness. We can fast on one particular day every week. When it is done in a methodical manner, fasting provides rest to the digestive system of the body. The fats cells are brought into use. They are broken down in to fatty acids and converted to ATP, which is the basic energy of our currency body.
As fasting tones the body, it can be later be coupled with simple exercise regimes like jogging every day. Though it will be painful initially to jog with a troubled knee, it is advisable to bear the pain. With regularity, the intensity in the pain will reduce over the time. Avoiding oily food, sugary substances and fast foods can further prove beneficial. Regular intake of pain killers should also be discouraged. Instead we can browse the Internet which can provide home remedies for treating knee problems naturally.