Losing weight will not inherently make your knees stronger, however it can relieve some pressure and pain from your knees. Additionally, weight loss may prevent possible knee problems that are caused by being overweight. The Weight-control Information Network asserts that losing as little as 5 percent of your body weight may lessen the stress on your knees and can help with symptoms of existing knee problems.
Joint Wear
The Weight-control Information Network, WIN, asserts that being overweight can cause osteoarthritis, which is a joint disorder that causes the bone and cartilage of the knee and other joints to wear away. The extra weight an overweight individual carries puts excess pressure on knee joints, causing the bone and cartilage to wear away. Losing weight can improve symptoms of this disorder if you already have it and can help prevent it if you don't.
Inflammation
Inflammation of the joints can not only cause pain, but also heightens your risk for osteoarthritis. Overweight individuals often have higher levels of substances in their blood that can cause inflammation. "Arthritis Today" attests that fat cells can produce cytokines, which are proteins that boost chances of inflammation. Also, they have linked some junk and snack foods to joint inflammation.
Strengthening Exercises
Though losing weight itself will not strengthen your knees, you can do some exercises which can strengthen your knee muscles. Straight-leg lifts and wall squats exercise the muscles attached to your knee on the front of your thigh. Single leg dips and step-ups will strengthen the back of your thighs, hips and buttocks. Explanations for these and other exercises can be found on the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons website. A link is in the Resources section.
Considerations
If you already experience chronic knee pain or inflammation, consult your doctor before exercising to lose weight. Also, if you experience knee pain when exercising, consult your doctor. If you are overweight, it is best to design and exercise program with your doctor to ensure you do not put yourself at risk for injury. Likewise, if you already have injured knees due to obesity, it is best to consult your doctor for an exercise plan and possibly, knee support equipment.
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