May is Arthritis Awareness Month, a time to recognize the challenges faced by the millions of Americans living with arthritis and to highlight what we can do to ease those challenges.
One of the most overlooked but powerful ways to manage arthritis symptoms? Maintaining a healthy weight.
Whether you’re living with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or another form of the disease, extra weight puts significant pressure on your joints and weight loss, even in small amounts, can lead to big relief.
The Link Between Weight and Arthritis
Arthritis causes inflammation and pain in the joints, making everyday movement uncomfortable or even disabling. When the body carries excess weight, the load on joints, especially weight-bearing ones like the knees, hips, and lower back, increases dramatically.
Here’s what that looks like:
● For every 1 pound of extra weight, there’s about 4 pounds of added pressure on the knees.
● Excess fat tissue can also produce inflammatory chemicals that may worsen joint damage over time.
The Benefits of Weight Loss for Arthritis
The good news? Even modest weight loss can reduce joint pain, improve mobility, and decrease the progression of arthritis.
Benefits include:
● Less joint pressure – relieving pain and stiffness
● Improved mobility – making it easier to stay active
● Reduced inflammation – potentially slowing the disease process
● Better energy and mood – improving overall quality of life
According to the CDC, losing just 5–10% of your body weight can lead to meaningful improvements in joint function and pain levels for people with osteoarthritis.
How Transition Can Help
At Transition Medical Weight Loss, we offer clinician-guided, personalized programs designed to support long-term health including joint health.
Our virtual program, Transition Anywhere™, provides:
● FDA-approved medication options when appropriate
● Support from licensed professionals
● Nutritional guidance focused on inflammation-reducing foods
● A sustainable plan built around your needs and goals
If you’re living with arthritis, weight loss may be one of the most empowering steps you can take to regain comfort, mobility, and control.
Start Your Journey Today
This Arthritis Awareness Month, take the first step toward lighter movement and less joint pain. Book your free virtual consultation to see how our program can help.
📲 transitionsalem.com/freevirtualconsultation
Your joints will thank you.
