According to a recent article on healthland.time.com, there is a rise in the number of Americans with arthritis, and the disturbing trend is linked to the rise in the level of inactivity and obesity. The numbers are from the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), drawn from the 2007?2009 National Health Interview Survey.
Though the exact link between being overweight and developing arthritis isn't 100% clear, it's thought that the added weight puts additional stress on joints, causing the cartilage to break down more quickly. In a statement, Arthritis Foundation president and CEO Dr. John H. Klippel said, "The number of adults with arthritis has increased by nearly one million per year and it is impacting the usual activities of an unprecedented 21 million adults."
Arthritis is only one of the many health problems associated with obesity and being overweight. Several different forms of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease are just a few of the other conditions known to be caused by weight. To curb this trend, the study's authors suggest more emphasis on activity and greater public awareness of the importance of maintaining a healthy weight.
