INTERESTING HEALTH FACTS

2012 Health Facts

January 2012

Arthritis

• While there is a strong indication that physical activity can help alleviate pain and delay disability in adults with arthritis, 30%-50% of adults with arthritis are physically inactive.
• According to the 2007-2009 National Health Interview Survey, 50 million (22%) of adults have self-reported doctor-diagnosed arthritis.
• Many adults with arthritis refrain from physical activities because of symptoms such as pain and stiffness.
• It is projected that by the year 2030, 67 million (25%) adults aged 18 years and older will have doctor-diagnosed arthritis.
• According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, arthritis is more prevalent in women than men (24.3% vs. 18.3%) in every age group, beginning at the age of 18.
• Obesity is a known risk factor for the development of knee osteoarthritis and other joints. An obese adult is 4 times more likely to develop knee osteoarthrtitis than a normal weight person.