Obese More Likely to Undergo Hip Replacement Surgery

According to a pair of recent Mayo Clinic studies, obese people have a higher rate of hip replacement surgery than those who are a healthy weight. And that’s not the only bad news: Hip replacement operations for super obese patients cost more and heal more slowly – or sometimes not at all.

Doctors involved with the two studies found that while hip replacements are feasible for the super obese, more than half of the patients surveyed suffered serious post-operative complications, including dislocation of the implant, chronic infection and new bone fractures around the device. About 13% of the patients required additional surgery to correct these complications.

Another study released just last week out of Australia determined that a person’s body weight, BMI, fat mass and percentage fat can make them three to four times more likely to need a primary joint replacement.

These latest findings only add to the mountain of evidence that obesity is hazardous to your health – and your bank account. So, if you’re struggling with your weight, talk with your doctor about a healthy strategy to shed those pounds.