Food for Purpose: Ease for your Knees

No one enjoys being in pain, or least I hope not anyway! My reaction to pain is to want it removed at all costs! Strong painkillers and a dose of spiritual warfare are common approaches for us believers!

I remember once talking to an extremely knowledgeable physiotherapist on the topic of pain. He advised me that at least 40% of people are undergoing pain at any given time! 40%...wow!!! That’s high I contemplated… Now this is not a write up about pain per se, but I do want to draw your attention to a very common condition called Osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) occurs when the smooth cartilage in our joints becomes worn out or damaged. Wear and tear on the joints over time results in OA. Sometimes injuries can also cause OA.

When it develops, OA causes the joints to become inflamed. The usual symptoms of OA include pain and stiffness. OA tends to develop in the knees, hips, lower back, neck, and hands.

Several studies now confirm that joint pain – especially pain in the knees; is positively correlated with obesity.

Being overweight basically means that your body is carrying more of a ‘load’ than it can actually accommodate. Your frame is under stress and additional pressure is exerted on joints causing pain.

It is suggested that being only 10 pounds (0.7 stone) overweight increases the force on the knee by 30-60 pounds (about 2 stones) with each step. Overweight women have nearly 4 times the risk of knee OA; whilst for overweight men the risk is 5 times greater.

Being overweight is a clear risk factor for developing OA. The old saying prevention is better than cure really rings true here. It is better to avoid excess weight gain, this reduces the risk of OA on the knees. Apart from the pain, OA is a debilitating condition which can drastically limit movement and hinder basic life functions.

Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of overweight or obesity. It is a calculation made using your height and weight.

A BMI score of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered normal. Overweight is defined as a score of 25 to 29.9. If your BMI score is 30 or higher, you’re considered obese.

Measuring your BMI

Use the link below to measure your BMI today.

http://www.nhs.uk/Tools/Pages/Healthyweightcalculator.aspx?Tag=

Frankly, I think the BMI does have limitations to its interpretation, especially as it does not capture body shape, fat distribution or muscularity. It is however a standard measure with good reliability, it is also easy to perform.

If your BMI exceeds the 'normal' range* – it is not the end of the world. It’s an opportunity to make a change! If you choose to address your excess weight, this can reduce your pain from OA - improve your wellbeing and even help you to fulfil the God-given destiny mapped out for you.

There are several useful resources available to support you on your quest to lose weight. Please contact your GP in the first instance – he or she may be able to refer you to local initiatives in your area. You may also be referred to a Dietitian who can help you set goals to improve your overall lifestyle – this will include changes in mindset, intake and physical activity.

You can also contact me on foodforpurpose@gmail.com if you need to discuss actions to take after measuring your BMI.

If you are male – you are welcome to sign up for the next Food for Purpose seminar, it is focused on Nutritional Health for Men.

It will take place on 31st January 2016, from 4pm – 7 pm.

Tickets are available via Eventbrite using this link: http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/food-for-purpose-nutritional-health-for-men-tickets-20185654837?utm-medium=discovery&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-source=cp&utm-term=listing

*If you have a BMI under 18, and are concerned, you may wish to contact your GP. Alternatively, you can send me an email for appropriate signposting.