Reasons For Losing Weight Around The Knees

Excess body weight is considered a health risk and should be addressed. Overweight conditions increase the risk for injury, illness and place a increased strain on your body. For many, excess weight may be distributed in specific areas. No matter where the excess weight is located, the risk generally remains the same. However, excess weight in particular areas, such as your knees, may be indicative of specific conditions and risks. Weight loss associated with exercise and proper diet will benefit your body and decrease the risk for health problems.

Reduce Joint Strain

Excess weight in the knee area, as in any area, places an increased strain on your joints, especially your knee joint. As the largest joint in your body, your knee is also the most complex and the most vulnerable. Your knees bear a huge load, supporting up to 150 percent of your body weight while walking, and even higher percentages while running. Climbing stairs increases the strain on your knees up to four times your body weight. Excess weight in the knee area places the extra load directly on your knee joint.
Losing weight can diminish the risk for osteoarthritis a disease characterized by degeneration of the knee joint. Osteoarthritis is the leading cause of disability and it, along with other forms of arthritis, can lead to extreme pain and incapacitation.

Decrease Joint Pain

Excess weight in the knee area may signal swelling and inflammation of the knee joint due to an injury. The swelling can make the knee appear fat. Excessive hyperextension, or locking back, of your knee joint may lead to swelling of the knee pad, a mass of fatty tissue below the knee cap. This causes swelling and bruising of the knee joint and can lead to misalignment and overuse injuries. Weight loss will reduce the force placed on your knees and reduce the risk of injuries.

Avoid Edema

Overweight conditions resulting from unhealthy eating habits may contribute to the occurrence of edema, a condition characterized by excess water retention. Water retention can affect joints such as your knees, giving the appearance of fat knees. Edema can be caused by hypertension, which can lead to heart problems. Additional health risks associated with edema include respiratory problems, hormonal changes and allergies. Programs to reduce the risk of edema and the health problems associated with it should include exercise and proper nutrition to reduce water retention and body weight.