Can losing weight help my arthritis?

Yes, losing weight can help ease the pain and reduce the severity of arthritis, especially if you are overweight or obese. Whether you have osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or other forms of arthritis, shedding extra pounds will positively impact your joints. Here’s how:

1. Less Pressure on Your Joints

When you're overweight, the added weight puts extra pressure on your joints, particularly those in the knees, hips, and lower back. Even a modest amount of weight loss can make a big difference. Studies have demonstrated that for every pound of weight lost, there is a corresponding reduction of four pounds of pressure on the knees. So, losing just 10 pounds can relieve 40 pounds of pressure from your knees, which helps reduce pain and improve mobility.

2. Joint Pain Relief

Losing weight can reduce arthritis pain, especially in cases of knee osteoarthritis. Research shows that weight loss improves pain, function, and quality of life for people with arthritis. In one study, people who lost 10-20% of their body weight experienced more significant pain relief than those who lost only a small amount. So, greater weight loss can lead to better outcomes, including less back, hip, and knee joint pain and improved ability to move around.

3. Reduced Joint Inflammation

Fat tissue in the body isn’t just a passive store of energy—it can produce chemicals that cause inflammation. This inflammation can worsen arthritis symptoms and make autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis worse. By losing weight, you can lower the amount of fat in your body and, in turn, reduce overall inflammation. This can help decrease pain and swelling in your joints.

4. Better Disease Activity Control

For people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), losing weight can improve disease activity. Studies have shown that people with RA who lost just 10 pounds (about 5 kg) were three times as likely to experience less disease activity compared to those who didn’t lose weight. This means that losing even a small amount of weight could help you manage your arthritis more effectively.

5. Improved Chance of Remission

If you have rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis, being overweight can make it harder to achieve remission, which is when symptoms are minimal or absent. Research has shown that obese people with RA have lower chances of reaching and maintaining remission, even with the help of medications. Losing weight can improve your chances of achieving remission and reduce the severity of your arthritis symptoms.

6. Lower Uric Acid Levels and Fewer Acute Gout Attacks

If you have gout, weight loss can also be beneficial. Gout is caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood, which can lead to painful joint flare-ups. Studies show that people with gout who lose weight have lower levels of uric acid, leading to fewer gout attacks.

7. Slower Cartilage Damage in Osteoarthritis

In osteoarthritis (OA), the cartilage cushioning the joints can break down over time, causing pain and stiffness. Research has shown that weight loss can slow down this process. A study of people with knee OA found that those who lost weight had less cartilage deterioration over time. The more weight they lost, the slower the progression of the disease.

Less Weight Means Less Discomfort

Losing weight can significantly improve your arthritis symptoms by reducing pressure on your joints, easing pain, or lowering inflammation. Even modest weight loss can make a real difference in managing arthritis, and the benefits go beyond just feeling better. If you’re living with arthritis, losing weight could be a key part of managing your condition and improving your overall quality of life.

If you are overweight and have arthritis, consider talking to a healthcare provider or weight loss expert for personalized advice and support. At Iowa Weight Loss Specialists, we can help you develop a safe and effective plan to achieve your weight loss goals and improve your arthritis symptoms.