During the next 25 years, the number of Americans with arthritis is estimated to jump by 40 percent, according to a recent report in Arthritis & Rheumatism. Even though older people are most affected by joint problems, younger adults are no strangers to the condition. In fact, nearly two-thirds of adults with arthritis are younger than age 65. And 60 percent of people with arthritis are women.

Why Weight Matters
Being overweight or obese is a risk factor for some types of arthritis. A study in the journal Obesity found that overweight people had a 50 percent higher risk of developing arthritis in the hips or knees. The authors believe that extra weight damages the joints, leading to arthritis.

There’s good news, however. Even a modest weight loss may help people who are overweight avoid osteoarthritis, or “wear-and-tear” arthritis.

It also may help increase quality of life for people who already have arthritis. Another study in the journal Obesity found that losing weight helped older, obese adults with knee arthritis get around better. The adults, all ages 60 and older, cut 1,000 calories a day from their diets and worked out for an hour, three times a week. The program included aerobic exercise, strengthening exercise, and warm-up and cool-down. The diet/exercise group lost 8 percent of their body weight, on average, after six months.

Activity Helps Ease Pain
Regular exercise helps strengthen the muscles around worn-out joints, which helps to ease arthritis pain. It also can improve range of motion and lessen fatigue.

To work out safely while still protecting your joints: