Researchers find a surge in rheumatoid arthritis among women, driven perhaps by obesity. According to Mayo Clinic researchers, there appears to be a link between the two. Being obese could be fueling the painful autoimmune disorder among women that attacks and inflames the joints…Study co-author Eric Matteson, M.D., chair of the Division of Rheumatology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester said in a news release, "We know that fat tissues and cells produce substances that are active in inflammation and immunity. We know too that obesity is related to many other health problems such as heart disease and diabetes, and now perhaps to autoimmunity. It adds another reason to reduce and prevent obesity in the general population."

EMax Health by Kathleen Blanchard

Tags: Dr. Eric Matteson, Immunology, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Obesity, Research, rheumatoid arthritis, Rheumatology, Weight, Women's Health