Obesity ‘increases knee replacement risk’
Being overweight or obese can significantly increase the risk of both knee and hip joint replacement, new research has suggested.
According to a report recently published in the journal Arthritis Research & Therapy, excessive weight increases the risk of primary joint replacement in osteoarthritis (OA).
The research indicated there was a three to four-fold increased risk of primary joint replacement associated with weight, body mass index, fat mass and percentage fat.
Flavia Cicuttini from the Monash University in Australia said: "Adipose mass contributes to increased joint loading, which may increase the risk of OA progression and subsequent joint replacement for severe end-stage OA.
"Metabolic factors are also likely to be important since waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio are known risk factors for metabolic syndrome".
It was recently reported that an increasing number of people in the UK are undergoing private obesity surgery, as many patients are becoming frustrated with NHS’s inability to cope with demand.
The Insurance Helpline specialises in obtaining cover for people living with obesity
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