Suffering from Osteoarthritis? Weight Loss and Stem Cell Therapy May Be Your Solution

Written By PFC Fitness Camp • 3 min read

According to the World Health Organization, in 2014 more than 1.9 billion adults were overweight, and of these, over 600 million were morbidly obese (Doctors use the body mass index, or BMI to measure obesity). In fact, worldwide obesity has more than doubled since 1980. Rising obesity rates have significant health consequences, contributing to increased rates of numerous diseases and health problems, however one that is not commonly discussed is the effect weight has on your joints.

For example, osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease is the most common type of arthritic disease in the world. In the United States, more than 27 million adults suffer from OA according to the Obesity Action Coalition. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage on the ends of your bones wears away with use. As the cushion degenerates, the bones rub against each other causing pain. Excess weight only increases the pain and likelihood of developing arthritis. Our joints are the connectors to the body—they allow us to do everything from walk and write to sit, stand and turn our heads from left to right.

More importantly, the joints of the body that hold us up and carry the mass of our body are called “weight bearing joints,” which include the ankles, knees, hips, feet, pelvis, the lower back and spine. When joints become damaged, daily life can become extremely painful and challenging. While osteoarthritis can develop due to natural wear and tear on any joint, those that bear excess weight are the most susceptible because of the amount of force their joints endure. The more you weigh, the more stress you will absorb on your weight bearing joints.

What is the best way to help your joints?
Losing weight and exercise is the best way to prevent osteoarthritis if you have not yet been diagnosed. Weight loss in any capacity also aids in joint pain relief. It is understood however, that obesity paired with any form of arthritis creates an unfortunate cycle of inactivity and pain that prevents exercise, which leads to sedentary tendencies and naturally, weight gain. Weight loss however is not just about exercise. There are plenty of actions an individual can take to start the weight loss process. At PFC we believe in 3 imperative pillars when it comes to weight loss and reaching optimal health— Behavioral Health, Nutrition and Fitness, in that order. First and foremost, your mind must be in the right place, your eating patterns need to significantly shift to healthier habits and then of course exercise to support how you think and what you eat.

What are alternative solutions if joint pain prevents exercise for weight loss?
Historically, a common solution for individuals suffering from joint conditions would result in a Total Joint Replacement surgery. This involves an invasive surgery followed by months of painful rehabilitation. Alternatively, however, stem cell therapy, a minimally invasive procedure is revolutionizing the medical world. In a single day, a simple injection of a patient’s own adipose (adult) stem cells may help regenerate and rebuild almost any joint in the body. Once only available overseas to celebrities and professional athletes, regenerative medicine has hit the U.S., with Southern California pioneering this breakthrough solution to the world’s most common, orthopedic conditions.

Commonly Treated Orthopedic Conditions with Stem Cell Therapy
Osteoarthritis
Knee Conditions
Hip Conditions
Back Conditions
Hip Conditions
Ankle Conditions
Shoulder Conditions
Hand Conditions

Where can I learn more about stem cell therapy?
Because many of PFC Fitness Camp clients suffer with weight issues and arthritic conditions, we’ve partnered with the National IRM (National Institutes for Regenerative Medicine), San Diego’s premier Stem Cell Institute to host monthly educational seminars on this advancement in medical technology. The seminars are free and open to the public at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa. For more information on Stem Cell Therapy and for Seminar Dates, visit https://explore.nationalirm.com/seminar/

sources: OAC, World Health Organization