Complications Due To Arthritis? Here’s How Weight Loss Can Help

It is important to maintain a healthy weight to prevent the risk of developing several diseases like heart disease, diabetes, cancer, etc. But do you know that maintaining a healthy weight can also help reduce pain if you have arthritis? Arthritis is an autoimmune condition, and its symptoms can be managed better by losing weight. Losing weight eases pain, promotes joint functioning, reduces inflammation and improves your health. Read this article to learn the benefits of weight loss for people with arthritis and some measures that should be followed.

Benefits Of Losing Weight For People Suffering From Arthritis

There are multiple benefits of losing weight for people with arthritis. Keep reading to learn five benefits that follow after weight loss.

Eases Pain

There is relief in pain when you lose weight as it puts less pressure on your joints. It has been found that osteoarthritis patients suffered less knee pain when they managed their weight.

Reduced Inflammation 

Another benefit of weight loss is that it can help to reduce inflammation caused by arthritis and other autoimmune disorders like psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.

Improves Joints

Losing weight can reduce the pressure in your joints and improve their functioning. You should practice slow or brisk walking to promote the smooth functioning of your joints.

Also Read: 5 Exercises For Arthritis Patients

Helps To Control Diseases

The severity of diseases decreases if you lose weight when suffering from arthritis. This will further increase the chances of improving your health condition. Moreover, it also lowers the risk of developing chronic ailments like cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. This is because weight loss can help to manage the levels of blood pressure and cholesterol in your body.

Beneficial In Joint Surgery

It is advisable to lose weight before opting for joint surgery to reduce its complications. 

4 Tips To Follow If You Have Arthritis

While maintaining weight is essential, there are other measures that should be practised too. Some of them are as follows:

Eat Foods That Have Anti-Inflammatory Properties

You should eat foods like green leafy vegetables, almonds, walnuts, dark chocolate, fish, etc, which have anti-inflammatory properties. This will help to reduce inflammation caused due to arthritis and can also boost your energy levels, improve your digestion, and reduce your food consumption.

Be Active

You should not skip exercising or walking due to the pain in your joints, as it can worsen your condition. Being physically active will help to ease pain and promote the functioning of your joints. You should practise brisk walking if you are not able to exercise regularly.

Avoid Sugary And Processed Foods

You should limit the intake of sugar as it is inflammatory. It can trigger your pain and increase your sugar cravings. In addition, you should avoid eating processed foods like fries and potato chips as they can significantly contribute to your weight gain. Eating processed foods can promote inflammation as they contain unhealthy saturated fats.

Also Read: 6 Healthy Food Options For Arthritis Patients

Stay Hydrated

You should drink adequate water to control your appetite and weight. It also fights inflammation by removing toxins from your body. 

Takeaway

You can manage your weight by performing activities like going for walks, exercising, yoga, and maintaining a healthy diet. Losing weight will improve overall health and also improve emotional wellness. Visit your doctor if you face any complications or your condition worsens.