Every pound of body weight places 4 pounds of force on the knee joint. Maintaining a healthy weight significantly reduces the mechanical wear and tear on weight-bearing joints (hips, knees, ankles).

Furthermore, visceral fat releases inflammatory cytokines that attack cartilage systemically, not just mechanically.

Subcutaneous fat (under the skin) is relatively inert. Visceral fat (under the muscle, around organs) is an active gland that pumps out inflammatory cytokines 24/7. Keeping this ratio < 0.5 minimizes this internal toxic load.

Visceral adipose tissue is infiltrated by macrophages (immune cells) that are constantly activated, creating a state of perpetual low-grade inflammation. Reducing this depot is the most effective way to lower systemic IL-6 levels.