Obesity and Arthritis Among Baby Boomers
Study published in the American Journal of Public Health, September, 2005

An examination of trends in obesity and arthritis shows an alarming increase in obesity rates among baby boomers as compared to that of the previous generation. What are the implications of this for the future of arthritis for this group of people?

In an Arthritis Foundation-funded study, researchers from the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and the Harvard School of Medicine analyzed data from the U.S. Bureau of the Census and the National Center for Health Statistics to compare obesity trends of the "baby boomer" generation (born 1946-1965) as compared to that of the so-called "silent" generation (born 1926-1945). The results of this analysis was startling.

Between the ages of 35-44, between 28 percent and 32 percent of baby boomers were obese. At the same age, only 14 percent to 18 percent of the silent generation was obese. In addition, the percentage of obesity in baby boomers between ages 25 and 44 was nearly identical to that of the silent generation when they were 10 to 20 years older. Therefore, baby boomers are becoming more obese earlier than the previous generation and are living longer with the health effects of that obesity.

Surprisingly, there were no differences in the prevalence of arthritis between the two age groups, but there is concern that the percentages of cases of arthritis linked directly to obesity has risen from 3 percent in 1971 to 18 percent in 2002. In 1971, obese people were approximately 20 percent more likely to develop arthritis than those who weren't overweight. In 2002, that number jumped to 60 percent.

What Does This Mean for You?
While more research is needed to pinpoint the significance of obesity on a large, aging population, there are some areas of concern that warrant further discussion.

1. Because of the obvious health risks of obesity, which include a higher incidences of heart disease and diabetes in addition to arthritis, obese people have a six to seven year shortened life expectancy as compared to people of a normal weight.
2. Arthritis is the number one cause of workplace disability. As the numbers of baby boomers with arthritis increases, the financial costs of missed work days and increased doctor visits may mean a rise in the cost of insurance, taxes, services or goods to everyone.
3. Both obesity and arthritis are especially limiting conditions. Both affect mobility. The double whammy of arthritis and obesity in a large population, such as the baby boomers, could mean an increase in the number of people who aren't able to participate in the workforce, drive a car or even take care of every day tasks, such as house cleaning, bathing or getting dressed.
4. Since obesity is a preventable and controllable, what can we do now to create public health initiatives to help reduce obesity before we have a public health crisis? What can you personally do to prevent obesity and its related health risks in you or your family?