Obesity and its Muscle Based Manifestations and Osteoarthritis

Ray Marks

Department of Health and Behavior Studies, Columbia University, Teachers College, New York, USA

Dr. Ray Marks. Department of Health and Behavior Studies, Columbia University, Teachers College, New York, USA.

Keywords: Myokines; Muscle; Obesity; Osteoarthritis; Prevention

Abstract

Childhood and adult obesity rates continue to increase, along with those reported for osteoarthritis. Some studies reveal a detrimental impact of excess body fat on joint status that may commence in early life. Here we examine some recent literature that point out why it may not be justified to adopt a fat acceptance stance for those at risk for osteoarthritis due to behavioral risk factors. This mini review specifically examines whether excess fatty tissue has an immediate and possible lasting impact on muscle, a key structure involved in joint functions. The data are quite compelling in support of muscle as both a protective organ and one with a secretion role that may yet impact joint tissues adversely in the presence of obesity.

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. (CC BY 4.0).