Obesity: An increasing problem for orthopedists

Kudos, fatsos.

"Data indicate that the prevalence of obesity in the United States is increasing in adults and children. According to the most recent data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 66.5% of men and women 20 years and older in the United States are overweight and almost 32% are obese. Being overweight or obese has been reported to increase the risk of orthopedic complaints such as osteoarthritis, tendinosis, bursitis, overuse syndromes and surgical complications.

During the gait cycle, obese individuals have been noted to take shorter steps, walk slower, have increased step width, increased Q angles, increased hip abduction angles, more abducted foot angles, and increased out-toeing. Some of these differences, such as the increased step width, slower stride and a more abducted foot position may be simply an effort to increase stability. Many of the gait changes such as an increased Q angle and increased step width may also be attributed to thick thighs."

Read it all to get a sense of the effects of weight on matters orthopedic.