Obesity and posture

Question 1

One region of the spine particularly vulnerable to the effects of obesity is the ______ spine.

Answer 1

lumbar

Question 2

Why is obesity a common cause of postural problems?

Answer 2

When excess weight is carried, the spine is forced to cope with the burden, which may lead to structural and functional changes and damage.

Lack of exercise and increased body weight leads to poor flexibility and weak muscles in the back, pelvis, and thighs.

Question 3

Abdominal obesity can lead to what kind of postural deviation? Why?

Answer 3

• can lead to lordosis and an anteriorly tilted pelvis
• the pull of the large abdomen causes the centre of gravity to move further forward. In extreme cases of obesity, the pull of the large abdomen can increase lordosis to the point that the lumbar spine rests in extension with the lumbar facet joints impacted.