I have been overweight all my life and now my hips are so bad with arthritis I need replacements. The doctor has told me to lose weight, but how much is enough?
A recent report on 851 cases of total hip replacement included information on patient demographics. This refers to data about the patients’ ages, gender, diagnosis, and body mass index (BMI).
BMI is calculated based on height and weight. It helps show how much body fat you have. Health risks from carrying too much weight include heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis.
A BMI in the “healthy” range does not always mean the person is fit and healthy. Poor diet and genetics can put an average person at risk for health concerns. Keep in mind the BMI does not take into account body frame. A muscular, large-framed person’s BMI could indicate obesity, but this may not be the case.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer a website with easy calculations of your BMI. You can do this by going to:
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/bmi/calc-bmi.htm
Once you’ve found your BMI ask your doctor about a reasonable weight loss plan. Studies show results after a hip replacement are best in patients with a BMI of 30 or less.
The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic. For more information on this subject, visit www.zehrcenter.com.
