Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears away over time.
Although osteoarthritis can damage any joint, it most commonly affects joints in the hands, knees, hips, and spine.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis can often be controlled, although joint damage cannot be reversed. Staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, and using certain treatments can slow the progression of the disease and help improve pain and joint function.
Weight and joint health are two closely related factors that have a profound impact on a person’s quality of life, especially as they age. Many modern medical studies have shown that being overweight and obese is not only a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and diabetes, but also a silent culprit that contributes to the destruction of the structure and function of the skeletal system.
1. Weight affects movement and bones and joints
Weight is an important measure to assess overall health. When the body exceeds the ideal weight threshold, the mechanical pressure on the joints, especially the weight-bearing joints such as the knee, hip and spine, will increase significantly. For example, just gaining 5kg can increase the pressure on the knee joint 4-6 times when moving. Over time, this condition accelerates cartilage wear, leading to diseases such as osteoarthritis, spinal degeneration, disc herniation, etc.
In addition, adipose tissue is not only an energy reserve but also an active endocrine organ, secreting a series of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, etc. These inflammatory mediators promote systemic inflammatory responses, aggravate inflammation in the joints, and contribute to cartilage degeneration.
2. Bones and joints are the pillars of movement and quality of life
The skeletal system consists of more than 200 bones and hundreds of joints, acting as a frame to support the entire body. Thanks to the flexible joint system, humans can perform movements such as walking, bending, turning, sitting, running, lifting objects, etc. However, over time, especially from middle age onwards, bone density tends to decrease, leading to the risk of osteoporosis, easy fractures, and prolonged pain.
Maintaining healthy bone mass and joint structure not only helps ensure mobility but also prevents serious complications such as femoral neck fractures – the leading cause of disability in older adults. A strong skeletal system is a prerequisite for maintaining a quality life and a positive spirit.
3. Nutrition will be the meeting point of the two goals of weight control and joint protection
Among the factors affecting weight and joints such as genetics, hormones, living environment and exercise, nutrition is a key factor that can be actively adjusted on a daily basis. Interestingly, many food groups help both effectively control weight and support the maintenance of bone and joint health.
For example, green vegetables and whole grains are rich in fiber to help control calories but also provide magnesium and vitamin K for bones. Fatty fish such as salmon and herring not only contain lean protein to help lose weight but are also rich in omega-3 and vitamin D necessary for joints. On the contrary, foods high in sugar, salt, and saturated fat can cause weight gain and at the same time promote arthritis. Therefore, choosing the right foods not only helps achieve the goal of a balanced body shape, but also contributes to protecting and restoring the skeletal system, bringing double benefits to long-term health.
