Obese women may have an increased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis — adding one more chronic illness to the list of ills brought on by extra pounds. Women with rheumatoid arthritis are already more prone to heart attacks than the general population because of their autoimmune disease. The study by the Mayo Clinic, which was published in the April edition of Arthritis Care & Research, found the risk of getting rheumatoid arthritis was about 20 percent more for women who were overweight.

Chicago Tribune by Janice Neumann

Tags: Arthritis Care & Research, Chicago Tribune, heart attack, Obesity, Research, rheumatoid arthritis, Rheumatology, Wellness, Women's Health