Based on a study, patients with a body mass index (BMI) of over 40 have a higher risk of developing surgical and medical complications following total joint arthroplasty (TJA). TJA is a procedure done to relieve the pain and correct leg deformity. It is usually suggested by an orthopedic surgeon if more conservative remedies such as medications are no longer effective.
According to one of the researchers, there is a direct relationship between BMI and the risk for complications following TJA. The higher is the patient's BMI, the greater is the chance of the patient returning to the operating room. There is also a higher risk of longer hospital stay and follow-up.
To determine the relationship between BMI and risk for medical and surgical complications following the knee surgery, the team studied the data of 13,250 patients who underwent total hip or knee arthroplasty. These patients are grouped according to their BMI.
Based on analysis, it was found out that patients with a BMI of over 40 are more likely to suffer from complications following joint arthroplasty. These complications include superficial wound infection.
Obesity in America
Over one-third of American adults are obese. It can be attributed to several factors including lifestyle, genetics, and health status.
Lifestyle
Many Americans are obese because of inactive lifestyle.Instead of heading out and doing some physical activities, many are spending a lot of their time indoors doing activities that require too little movement. These include watching TV, playing computer games, and surfing the internet. Activities like these don't burn calories as much as walking, running, or other physical activities.
Aside from the lack of physical activity, obesity in America can also be attributed to smoking, unhealthy eating habits, lack of sleep, and stress.
Genetics
Studies have shown that obesity can run in families. This can be because families mostly share eating and physical activity habits. If you grow up in a family that doesn't value healthy eating or physical activity, then you're more likely to grow up with the same habits that they have.
Genetics can also play a role on how your body stores fat.
Health Status
Food, physical activity, and family history aren't the only factors that can lead to obesity. Medications and health conditions can also lead to obesity.
Hormonal problems like the Cushing's syndrome, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and hypothyroidism can lead to weight gain. Medications such as corticosteroids, antidepressants, and seizure medications can also render the same effect.
Health Risks of Obesity
Being overweight increases the person's risk in developing certain health problems like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, osteoarthritis, and reproductive problems.
Cardiovascular Disease
People who are overweight or obese are at high risk for developing cardiovascular problems like coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.
Diabetes
Obesity is a known risk factor for type 2 diabetes. It is a condition that results from the body's resistance to insulin or insufficient supply of it. As a result, glucose stays into the bloodstream instead of getting into the cells.
Cancer
Being overweight or obese increases a person's risk for developing the following types of cancer: breast, colon, gallbladder, and endometrial cancer.
Osteoarthritis
With the added weight, there is also added pressure on the joints. This results to pain on the lower hips, back, and knees.
Reproductive Problems
Women who are obese are at higher risk for having problems with menstruation and in getting pregnant.
These and post-TJA complications can be avoided if lifestyle changes are done. Shifting to whole, real food and getting more physically active can do a lot of wonders both to your physique and your overall health.
