According to health authorities, there are more than 100 types of arthritis out there. Something that is affecting a lot of people is what's referred to as osteoarthritis, which is characterized by the wearing and tearing of the cartilage. There are many different things that can increase a person's risk of suffering from osteoarthritis, and one of them is being obese. Below are some simple tips on preventing osteoarthritis via weight loss Los Altos CA locals may give a try.

Despite what a lot of people believe, osteoarthritis is not exclusive to the elderly. The truth is this kind of arthritis affects young adults, too. Although it is a fact that age is regarded as a chief risk factor for the disease concerning the joints, in reality there are various other issues that can trigger osteoarthritis.

Being obese is regarded by doctors as one of those many risk factors. If such is already an existing issue, then having lots of excess pounds can aggravate matters. Each time, the debilitating signs and symptoms of the joint problem can prevent the person from having a productive day. Osteoarthritis can also discourage the individual from exercising regularly in order to slim down, thus a cycle is created that many have a hard time breaking.

Your different weight bearing joints are the ones that are susceptible to having this very common form of arthritis. It's for the fact that the said joints of yours are constantly in a lot of strain. This is true each time you carry out physical activities that require you to be on your feet, such as standing, stair climbing, jogging and walking. Damage to your cartilage can be encouraged by your unwanted body weight.

So that you may significantly lower your risk of developing osteoarthritis, you need to slim down if currently you are overweight. This can spare your joints from being worked or stressed excessively. The ones that are especially spared from being stricken by the joint disease are your lower back, hip, knees and ankles.

One very important step that the concerned individual needs to take to obtain results is remaining physically active. Such may seem like a counterproductive tip but getting mild to moderate exercise regularly can in fact assist in dealing with the pesky signs and symptoms associated with osteoarthritis. Scientists say that exercising can minimize pain, inflammation and stiffness especially in the morning time.

Getting one's regular dose of exercise is also crucial for the elimination of excess pounds. By slimming down, the individual need not constantly take anti inflammatory drugs, which are medications commonly prescribed for those who are suffering from osteoarthritis. The problem with anti inflammatory drugs is that they come with unfavorable side effects and also serious health risks.

Aside from osteoarthritis, there are so many other medical conditions that can be kept at bay by shedding off excess weight. Some examples include diabetes, fatty liver disease, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, heart disease and certain forms of cancer. Certainly, one of the secrets to having a long and happy life is losing unwanted pounds.