Although obesity increases a person's risk of developing health complications, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and stroke, it can also affect mobility. Excess body weight makes it difficult to get around and can take a great toll on a person's posture. Certain adjustments must be made in carriage and stance for the skeletal system to accommodate the weight.
Obesity
The Mayo Clinic characterizes obesity as an "excessive amount of body fat." It's usually determined by a formula known as body mass index, or BMI. When someone has a BMI between 30 and 39.9, he's often considered obese. A BMI over 40 signifies that a person is morbidly obese. Both designations increase the risk of health complications, but morbid obesity carries a much greater risk, even with regard to posture.
Spine
A study conducted by the Department of Exercise Science and Sport Management at Southern Cross University in 2006 analyzed the effects of obesity on posture. They found that the forward flexion motion, or ability to bend forward, was reduced within the thoracic spine, which is made up of the twelve vertebrae within the middle section of the spinal cord. Obesity also affected forward movement in the thoracolumbar spine, which is the midlumbar region of the back.
Posture
This same study also indicated that people suffering from obesity tended to have a more flexed trunk, which includes the thoracic and thoracolumbar spine. A flexed trunk means that the spine is kept slightly forward, not in the standard upright position. This puts more stress on the spine and could cause a decrease in the functional quality of the affected vertebras, increasing the potential for pain.
Hips
Obesity also increases what is known as hip joint moments. Joint moments are basically reactions to force. The excess weight distributes more force within the hip joints, according to the Department of Exercise Science and Sport Management. This occurs while standing and striding. And much like the spine, the increase in force can cause a decrease in the functional quality of the hip joints. This can increase the likelihood of pain.
Treatment
To correct these issues, it's crucial for the individual to lose weight. Diet and exercise are frequently the first course of action. Even if there are problems with back and joint pain, exercise should be included in the weight loss plan. Modifications would need to be made to accommodate for skeletal issues, so low-impact activities are typically used--such as swimming, water aerobics and even cycling.
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