CDC blames obesity on arthritis hike
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned about the consequences of arthritis increasing among Americans particularly the obese.
In its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report for October 8, the CDC found that 24.3% of women had arthritis compared to 18.2% of men; 16.9% of normal or underweight people had arthritis compared with 19.8% of obese people and that 23.5% of inactive people had arthritis compared with 18.7% of those who exercised.
The report said close to 50 million Americans are diagnosed with arthritis, 21 million of whom have limited motor activities.
Researchers believe the disease will significantly increase in the next 20 years as the risk of arthritis grows considerably higher with age, weight, physical activity, and lifestyle.
The study authors believe that arthritis "can be addressed, at least in part, by implementing proven obesity prevention strategies and increasing availability of effective physical activity programs and self-management education courses in local communities."
Researchers believe major work is required to reduce obesity as even a small weight loss reduces the risk for knee osteoarthritis among women by 50%.
Source: presstv.ir
