Understanding the Links Between Obesity and Foot Health
In July 2023, a world-first study conducted by the University of South Australia revealed that weight fluctuates throughout the year. More specifically, there’s a consistent trend among Australians of losing weight across weekdays and gaining it back on weekends, with a weekly oscillation of approximately 0.3% or about 252 grams. This sort of weight cycling is often seen with “yo-yo” dieting and is more often associated with poor metabolic health and long-term weight gain.
However, the ramifications of obesity extend far beyond the confines of just weight or body size. Rapid changes in body weight can place additional stress on joints, particularly the weight-bearing joints in the lower extremities, such as the ankles, knees, and hips. This shows us that while weight cycling profoundly impacts all aspects of health, foot health is one of the most significantly impacted domains.
Does this information surprise you? Below, we take a closer look at the multitude of scientific data explaining the link between obesity and foot health.
Understanding obesity and foot health
A 2023 publication from the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases underscores the gravity of obesity's influence on bearing foot joints. 62% of patients with an elevated body mass index (BMI) and rheumatoid arthritis revealed that the heel was the most symptomatic location, with 70% experiencing chronic foot pain. Various foot deformities were also noted, with hallux valgus being the most common (74%), followed by claw toe (43.5 %).
Complementing this, the World Journal of Orthopedics, also published in 2023, widens the lens to encompass various foot and ankle pathologies. Bone metabolism weakens due to the obese patients’ chronic pro-inflammatory state. The resulting abnormal gait can come with quadriceps weakening, knee osteoarthritis, poor balance, and an increased risk of falls. Here, the tibiotalar joints undergo forces that are up to five times the body weight during the stance phase, and this force is particularly heightened in individuals who are obese.
The data consequently outlines a three-fold increased risk of ankle fractures in obese women compared to those with a normal BMI and a higher probability of implant failure in total ankle replacement surgery. Not to mention that obese individuals face higher rates of tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and osteoarthritis in their everyday lives.
Beyond fractures, the risk of surgical site infections (SSIs) following open reduction internal fixation becomes a quantitative concern. Here, the data pinpoint a significant risk increase for SSIs in individuals with a BMI over 40 kg/m², with obese patients additionally having a greater proportion of chondral lesions (58%) than normal-weight subjects (30%).
These studies paint a numeric portrait of the complications that accompany obesity in podiatric scenarios. As we navigate this landscape, the imperative for nuanced interventions and tailored approaches to foot health in obese populations becomes more apparent than ever.
Managing obesity and foot health
Addressing obesity is not just about shedding pounds — it's about adopting a holistic approach to health. Thus, unlike highly restrictive diets, science-backed weight loss programs take a sustainable approach to prevent the yo-yo cycle. A good program, suitable for various demographics, including those seeking podiatry care, emphasises healthy habits to obtain a recommended weight loss of 0.5 to 1 kilogram per week.
The resulting weight loss can address conditions that often accompany obesity. Our previous article on gout emphasised the role of weight management in reducing uric acid levels. This comes alongside low-impact exercises like stretching and dietary changes in avoiding high-purine foods and opting for a balanced diet. These strategies help create a multifaceted, long-term approach to managing obesity for better health outcomes, including foot health.
At the end of the day, understanding the links between obesity and foot health is only the first step. Podiatry care is integral to comprehensive foot health. Our expert podiatrists at Bondi Podiatry provide personalised treatments aimed at repairing and relieving foot, ankle, and knee conditions exacerbated by obesity. Book an appointment with us online, and your journey to healthier feet and long-term well-being can start today.
