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arthritis. Today 41% of the 50 million U.S. adults with arthritis report limitations in their usual
activities because of arthritis.
18
While these data consider all types of arthritis, it is likely that
OA accounts for a large portion of those with work limitations. An estimated $3.4 to 13.2 billion
is spent per year on job-related OA costs.
19
Obesity is a long-recognized and fast-growing
public health issue in the United States, with serious health and economic consequences.
Reversing the trend is a national priority. Underserved people and communities, including
racial and ethnic minority populations, are both at greater risk for obesity and more likely to
experience its health and economic impact.
20
Prevalence in African American and
Hispanic/Latina Females
OA is highly prevalent and on the rise. All races and
ethnic groups are affected by arthritis, including
36 million White adults, 4.6 million Black adults,
nearly 3 million Hispanic/Latino adults, and 1.6
million adults of other races.
21
Of those with arthritis,
non-Hispanic/Latino Blacks and Hispanics/Latinos
report greater work limitations and more severe
joint pain than Whites do.
4
The number of individuals with OA is expected to increase with longer
life expectancies, the obesity epidemic, and the large number of boomers who started reaching
retirement age in 2011. Half of all adults will develop symptomatic OA of the knee at some point
in their lives and that risk increases with obesity to two of every three obese adults.
12
Prevalence of obesity in White,
Black and Hispanic/Latina Women
(BMI ≥ 30):
32.2%
of White women
44.9%
of Mexican American
women
58.5%
of Black women