Weight Loss

Overview

What does it involve?

• Bringing BMI and waist circumference down.

• Aim to bring weight down by 5% in a 20-week period.

• Commitment to a balanced, low calorie and low-fat diet.

• Self-control and behavioural changes including monitoring portion size and avoiding snacking.

Effort/burden

• Consistent adherence to a diet plan.

• Avoiding temptation, succumbing to cravings and losing control.

• May require co-operation from family members.

Benefits

• Losing even a few pounds can improve arthritis symptoms.

• Studies say you can experience between a 21% and 33% decrease in arthritis symptoms just with weight loss

• Weight loss slows down joint wear, the progress of arthritis, improves pain levels, activities of daily living (ADL) and overall mobility.

• Other health benefits include decreased risk of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and the development of type 2 diabetes.

Chances of cure

• May reverse the effect of arthritis in the early stages.

• May not completely cure arthritis, but will slow down its progress.

Limitations and side effects

• Difficult to achieve significant weight loss in a short period of time.

• Inability to tolerate changes in diet habits.

• Immediate side effects include lack of energy, headaches and irritability. 

Risks

• No major risks identified.

• May crave food and find difficult to stick to the plan

• Extreme sudden dieting may result in an electrolyte imbalance. It may also affect internal organ function (especially kidneys and liver).

Cost

• This is a low-cost option for both the patient and the NHS

• These changes are unlikely to increase weekly shopping cost. This is especially true if you use available resources, shop intelligently and change habits.

What if no treatment is done?

• Arthritis will continue to deteriorate.

• Symptoms will get worse; sometimes rapidly.

• Will have a negative influence on other management options, e.g. surgery, in the future.

References