The Link Between a Healthy Weight and Less Pain

Joint pain is common. By the time you turn 50, you have 50/50 odds of dealing with this problem. If you fall into the camp of people living with recurring pain, you probably want to know about anything that could bring you relief. 

Today, we want to focus on one powerful tool: weight loss. Shedding excess pounds may make a dramatic difference in your pain levels. 

We know that losing weight isn’t easy. That’s where we come in. Here at Legacy Pain and Regenerative Medicine in Plano, Texas, Dr. Trace Alexander specializes in pain management and weight loss, supporting patients on their journeys to feeling better. 

How your weight connects to your pain levels

The number on the scale can affect your pain levels in a few specific ways. Shedding excess pounds can:

Reduce load on your joints

Every pound you weigh increases pressure on your joints as you move throughout your day — and it’s not a one-to-one relationship. If your joints are healthy, multiply your current weight by 1.5 to calculate the pressure on your knees when simply standing and walking. 

If you have arthritis, the misalignment increases the pressure on your joints. Each pound can increase pressure by as much as 4 pounds. 

In short, every pound you lose helps make a difference. Many people achieve notable pain reduction by losing 10% of their current body weight. 

Help you feel better overall 

Reducing pressure on your load-bearing joints makes logical sense as a pain reduction tool. But research has shown that the benefits don’t stop there. The 10% drop in body weight helped people experience less pain in their arms, chest, jaws, and abdomen.

Many people also reported a boost in energy, as well as improved cognitive function and mental health. 

Nourish your body

To lose weight, you must adjust your diet. By adding more healthy foods, you give your system more of the nutrients it needs. That helps it function its best, ideally resulting in pain reduction. 

Getting support to lose weight

Clearly, shedding pounds can mean less pain. That’s much easier said than done, though. 

That’s why Dr. Alexander offers a personalized plan and ongoing support. He bases that plan on any weight loss methods you’ve tried in the past and your unique body. If a health condition makes it harder for you to lose weight, for example, he may prescribe medication to treat it. 

Dr. Alexander and our team are with you throughout your weight loss journey. With medical guidance and accountability, you get support to move toward a lower number on the scale and lower levels of pain.

To get started, call Legacy Pain and Regenerative Medicine at 972-899-9797 or book your visit online today.