Diabetes and heart disease are one of the diseases whose risk is seen increasing rapidly globally. Meanwhile, in a recent study, researchers have alerted about the increasing risk of another disease. In a study published in The Lancet Rheumatology Journal, scientists have expressed concern that the way the number of osteoarthritis patients is increasing worldwide, it is expected that by the year 2050, more than one billion (100 crore) people will be affected by this disease.
Scientists report that 15 percent of people aged 30 and older are currently living with arthritis, with the number expected to grow even higher in the coming years.
Scientists have come to this conclusion based on an analysis of 30 years of osteoarthritis data (1990-2020) in more than 200 countries. The research was conducted by a team led by researchers from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) in the US under the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. Health experts say that all people need to keep trying to prevent this growing disease.
Cases have increased rapidly
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and arthritis is a problem of joint inflammation and pain. Osteoarthritis affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the protective cartilage that supports the ends of the bones wears down over time.
According to statistics, in the year 1990, 256 million people had osteoarthritis which increased to 595 million by 2020. This is an increase of 132 percent. Researchers said that by 2050 this number is expected to reach one billion.
Causes of osteoarthritis
Aging, population growth and obesity are at the top among the reasons cited by American researchers for the rise of osteoarthritis in the study. Jamie Steinmetz, author of the research paper and lead scientist of the IHME, says that given the risk of this disease increasing globally, we must continue to take preventive measures.
There is no effective cure for osteoarthritis, so it is important that we focus on prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment.
Women most affected
The team of scientists say the risk of this disease is more in women than in men. In 2020, 61 percent of osteoarthritis cases were among women, while the figure was just 39 percent among men. Jacek Kopec, senior author and professor at the University of British Columbia, is trying to understand the reasons for the gender difference in the prevalence of osteoarthritis, but researchers believe that genetics, hormonal factors, and physical differences play a role.
What to do to prevent osteoarthritis?
Studies suggest that obesity or a high body mass index (BMI) may also be a significant risk factor for osteoarthritis. The risk of osteoarthritis could be reduced by an estimated 20 percent if efforts were made to effectively control obesity in the global population.
Osteoarthritis can also be prevented by making regular exercise a part of the lifestyle. Eating a healthy diet, especially anti-inflammatory foods, can help prevent the disease.
(PC: Freepik)
