Osteoarthritis of Weight-Bearing Joints

Osteoarthritis is caused by the wear-and-tear on a joint that leads to the breaking down of the joint's cartilage. When a person is severely overweight, the excess body weight wears particularly on the knees and hips. Bones and muscles of the back are also strained, causing disk problems, pain, and decreased flexibility.

How does bariatric surgery improve osteoarthritis?
As the patient loses weight, less weight is placed on joints and the strain on joints is reduced. Bariatric surgery reduces body weight over time and has proven effective in treating osteoarthritis.

What success have patients experienced through bariatric surgery?
A recent study of 500 patients showed a 90 percent resolution of arthritis among surgical patients.