RESEARCH - Obesity and the musculoskeletal system

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Curr Opin Rheumatol. 2009 Jan;21(1):71-7.

Obesity and the musculoskeletal system.

Anandacoomarasamy A, Fransen M, March L.

Institute of Bone and Joint Research, Royal North Shore Hospital,

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To describe recent developments highlighting the

effects and mechanisms of obesity and weight loss on the

musculoskeletal system.

RECENT FINDINGS: The global epidemic of obesity has far-reaching

effects on the musculoskeletal system and associated conditions such

as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthropathy, and

fibromyalgia. Obesity increases the need for, and reduces the health

outcomes from, joint replacement surgery, which has enormous

implications for societal economic burden. New insights have been

gained into the possible mechanisms by which obesity is associated

with musculoskeletal disease incidence, symptom severity and treatment

outcomes particularly for osteoarthritis. Research exploring the role

of adipocytokines provides a novel possible metabolic link for these

diseases.

SUMMARY: Obesity has a significant impact on the musculoskeletal

system being associated with both degenerative and inflammatory

conditions. Future research assessing the effects of obesity and

weight loss as well as further elucidating the action of

adipocytokines will aid in the assessment and management of this

increasingly prevalent condition.

PMID: 19093327

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19093327

Not an MD