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With Arthritis Awareness Week kicking off on Sunday, Medibank Better Health Index have released new data which outlines the concerning rise of osteoarthritis, and links between the condition and obesity.

Over the last nine years, the number of Australians living with osteoarthritis has increased from 6.2 to 8.5 per cent, which is equal to more than half a million additional cases.

The findings show the incidence of the condition has grown in line with the national trend towards obesity -- with 28.4 per cent of Australians falling into the obese Body Mass Index (BMI) category, compared to just 25.2 per cent in 2007.

Its an alarming trend given the already astute issues surrounding obesity in the country, and how much it is costing our healthcare system.

Medibank Chief Medical Officer Dr Linda Swan said the data should come as a wake-up call to Aussies.

Its concerning to see that the incidence of osteoarthritis is continuing to climb year-on-year, with almost one in ten Aussies now living with the condition.

We know osteoarthritis can be exacerbated by being overweight or obese, so its essential that we continue to encourage healthy eating habits and regular exercise as these can help both prevent and improve osteoarthritis symptoms.

While generally any type of activity is good, people's health risks can vary, so consulting your GP about the type of exercise that's right for you is always a wise step, Dr Swan said.

In South Australia alone, there are 124,000 patients living with osteoarthritis, 33,000 more than in 2007.

These findings support the need for ongoing research into osteoarthritis -- which the Medibank Better Health Foundation is committed to. Through this research, we aim to help those affected by musculoskeletal conditions improve their quality of life, and better understand, prevent and manage the condition, Dr Swan said.

In releasing the data, Medibank also provided some tips for preventing and managing osteoarthritis.

Keep Moving, safely: Exercise is vital in both managing the condition, and preventing it, as regular exercise helps to strengthen muscles and joints. There is a warning, however, not to overdo it. Too much exercise can cause injury and put an unnecessary stain on joints.

Follow a healthy diet: With obesity one of the leading causes of osteoarthritis, its extremely important to maintain a healthy, well0-balanced diet to maintain a healthy weight.

Opt for supportive footwear: Medibank writes thats having the right show means having the required support to carry your body. They recommend speaking to a podiatrist about choosing the appropriate footwear.

Continue reading here:
Link between obesity and arthritis - Ten Eyewitness News

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