In Obese Mice, Exercise Eases Arthritis, Even Without Weight Loss

Not ideal, but another argument in favor of training.

Adding another incentive to exercise, scientists at Duke University Medical Center have found that physical activity improves arthritis symptoms even among obese mice that continue to chow down on a high-fat diet.

The insight suggests that excess weight alone isn't what causes the aches and pains of osteoarthritis, despite the long-held notion that carrying extra pounds strains the joints and leads to the inflammatory condition.

However, the "excess weight," i.e., fatosity, almost certainly contributes.