Why so many knee replacements?

Perhaps you’ve noticed: Many people in their 70s, 60s, 50s, even 40s are showing up with knee problems that require surgery. Here’s a chart for illustration:

One of the main reasons for the huge increase in these surgeries is the increasing weight of the US population. Hoping NOT to become a statistic? The US Dept. of Health and Human Services says that losing weight will help. Just ONE pound of lost body weight reduces the stress on your knees by FOUR pounds. This same one pound equals a reduction of 4800 pounds for each mile that you walk! Word to the wise – Weight loss in ANY amount is hugely beneficial to the long term health of your knees. Make an appointment with a Registered Dietitian and Clinical Nutrition Center today and your knees will thank you.

By Suzanne Boos, RD