How can obesity cause foot problems?

James P. Ioli, DPM

Podiatric Medicine

Foot problems can be structural (bunions, aching arches) or may result from a medical condition that affects the whole body (diabetes, obesity). You may not connect your foot woes to your waistline, but sometimes the two are related. Each time you take a step, about one and a half times your weight is placed on your foot. Every pound you gain in weight adds to the pounding on your feet. So don't be surprised if your foot care specialist asks how much you weigh the next time you develop a problem in one or both feet.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Obesity

If you have too much body fat, you are obese, just like over 70 million other Americans. It happens because you eat more calories than you use, and your body converts the excess to fat. There are lots of reasons that this can happen. Our lifestyle may lack exercise, we are given portions that are too big and too caloric when we eat, and some of us are just more efficient genetically at converting food into fat.

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