Obesity and Arthritis

Abstract

Abstract Objectives This study is to investigate the association between obesity and the development of arthritis among adults in the United States. Methods A total of 5708 participants were included from the 2015/2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Most participants were non-Hispanic whites (63.8%), 80% of whom were above 30 years old. Obesity was determined using a body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m². The outcome variable of interest, arthritis status was self-reported. Survey weighted logistic regression was performed to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% Confidence Interval of the association between obesity and the development of arthritis controlling for confounding factors. Results Among all participants 40% were obese. A total of 1470 (26%) of obese individuals had some form of arthritis (58% rheumatoid arthritis; 27% osteoarthritis or degenerative arthritis, and others). Distribution of all forms of arthritis was similar in both obese and non-obese individuals. The odds ratio (OR) of developing arthritis, however, was higher among obese individuals (OR-1.47; 95% CI: 1.17-1.84) compared to non-obese. The OR also increases with age (OR-12.74; 95% CI- 5.16 −31.43) and it is more common in women (OR-2.33;95% CI:1.92 - 2.83) than in men. Conclusions Obesity greatly increases the risk of eventually developing arthritis. Considering there was a similar distribution of arthritis in both obese and non-obese individuals, wear and tear on the musculoskeletal system by obesity and not the inflammatory effects is the most likely reason for the increase in the prevalence of arthritis among obese individuals. Funding Sources None.