Obesity adds to the quality of life burden for rheumatoid arthritis patients, according to study results reported at EULAR 2007 (the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology). The study involving 1,041 rheumatoid arthritis patients took place in Oslo, Norway. When compared to normal weight rheumatoid arthritis patients, obese rheumatoid arthritis patients significantly rated worse for:

• pain
• fatigue
• physical function

Nearly 54 percent of the study participants were normal weight, 33 percent were overweight, and 11 percent were classified as obese. Researchers concluded that in addition to the impact on pain, fatigue, and physical function, obesity also affected the self-perceived burden of rheumatoid arthritis (i.e., how patients viewed their quality of life with rheumatoid arthritis).

Related Resources:

• 8 Best Things to Do for Arthritis
• Extra Pounds Increase Arthritis Pain
• What Makes People with Arthritis Overweight?
• Advice for People with Arthritis About Weight Loss
• Despite Known Benefits Many People with Arthritis Avoid Exercise

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