While trying to lose weight for overall health, did you know carrying extra kilos can disproportionately impact your knees? New research shows being overweight puts nearly 4 times your body weight in pressure on the knee joints with each step. No wonder knee issues are so prevalent. But it's not too late to ease the burden – even modest weight loss offers relief.
Scientists scanned the knees of 100 individuals varying in Body Mass Index (BMI) to analyze the forces. They found those classified as obese experienced 3.6 to 3.8 times their body weight transmitted to the knees with each footfall. In contrast, healthy weight participants endured only 1 to 1.2 times their mass. This increased load takes a toll over decades, speeding up cartilage breakdown and risk for life-altering conditions like osteoarthritis.
Losing as little as 11 pounds can help though. When researchers reviewed a separate study where dieters trimmed down, they saw impressive reductions in knee joint pressure – a 23% decrease with an average loss of 11 kilograms. While genetics and other factors still play a role, shedding surplus pounds provides undeniable benefits for knee health in the long run. It's motivation to start improving your diet or step up exercise in small, sustainable ways.
