Weight Loss Surgery Can Improve Arthritis Pain: Study
There have been many headlines recently about the benefits bariatric surgery may have for helping people control or eliminate certain health-related concerns. From diabetes and cardiovascular disease to hypertension, the potential improvements that may be realized after weight-loss surgery are promising. New research is shedding light on another condition weight loss surgery may have profound impacts on. It seems that surgery may not only help prevent osteoarthritis if obesity is a concern, but it can also improve symptoms if the condition is already present.
The study in question involved more than 27,000 adults who underwent bariatric surgery between 2006 and 2015. Researchers found that people who were able to attain a body mass index of 30 or lower within a year of having surgery reported marked improvements in many conditions. Arthritis was one of the comorbidities tracked following surgery, but it was not the specific focus of research.
Clinicians behind the study say the patient-reported findings related to improvements in arthritis pain track with other bodies of research that show benefits. In previous studies, it has been shown that weight loss can lower the markers for inflammation, which can help control arthritis pain. In addition, another study showed that obese people who lost at least 10 percent of their body weight reported improvements in osteoarthritis, especially knee-related arthritis.
Bariatric surgical procedures such as the gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy are typically seen as a last-resort measure for helping people address obesity. With that in mind, procedures are often reserved for use on people with BMIs of 40 or higher. Earlier intervention may produce more positive results, the large-scale study found. For people with osteoarthritis, earlier intervention may even provide a way to not only address obesity but also pain.
People who are obese are strongly urged to talk with their healthcare providers. Taking steps to lose weight can have tremendous impacts on health. For some, it may even help prevent – or treat – osteoarthritis.
The study in question involved more than 27,000 adults who underwent bariatric surgery between 2006 and 2015. Researchers found that people who were able to attain a body mass index of 30 or lower within a year of having surgery reported marked improvements in many conditions. Arthritis was one of the comorbidities tracked following surgery, but it was not the specific focus of research.
Clinicians behind the study say the patient-reported findings related to improvements in arthritis pain track with other bodies of research that show benefits. In previous studies, it has been shown that weight loss can lower the markers for inflammation, which can help control arthritis pain. In addition, another study showed that obese people who lost at least 10 percent of their body weight reported improvements in osteoarthritis, especially knee-related arthritis.
Bariatric surgical procedures such as the gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy are typically seen as a last-resort measure for helping people address obesity. With that in mind, procedures are often reserved for use on people with BMIs of 40 or higher. Earlier intervention may produce more positive results, the large-scale study found. For people with osteoarthritis, earlier intervention may even provide a way to not only address obesity but also pain.
People who are obese are strongly urged to talk with their healthcare providers. Taking steps to lose weight can have tremendous impacts on health. For some, it may even help prevent – or treat – osteoarthritis.
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