Back Pain and Excess Body Weight

Do you suffer from back, neck, hip, knee or other body aches? Losing as little as 10 pounds can reduce body pain by as much as 30 percent.

You know that there are long-term health benefits to losing weight, such as a reduced risk of cancer, diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. But did you know that there are immediate health payoffs to even modest weight loss in overweight and obese individuals? Research shows that losing just 10 pounds can instantly relieve body pain caused by extra stress on the muscles, bones and joints.

Losing more weight could potentially reduce pain even further. Another study that tracked chronic pain in obese patients who underwent gastric bypass surgery witnessed a 50 percent reduction in the prevalence of symptoms following weight loss.

To get started on the road to weight loss, choose healthier foods, limit your portion sizes and exercise daily. If you have any health conditions, consult your doctor first before embarking on a new exercise or weight loss program.