One risk factor for arthritis that can be changed is obesity. Individuals who face limitations because of their weight may be able to reduce the progression of arthritis by losing weight. A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that obesity can have a significant impact on arthritis patients' reduced quality-of-life.
The study assessed obesity prevalence among adults with doctor-diagnosed arthritis. Some of the information discovered by the research includes:
- Obesity prevalence, on average, was higher among adults with arthritis, compared with adults without arthritis.
- Obesity prevalence varied widely by state (2009 range: 26.9% in Colorado to 43.5% in Louisiana).
- Obesity prevalence increased significantly from 2003 to 2009 in 14 states and Puerto Rico and decreased in the District of Columbia (DC).
- The number of U.S. states with age-adjusted obesity prevalence increased from 2003 to 2009.