Which factor is most likely to contribute to the development of osteoarthritis?

Which factor is most likely to contribute to the development of osteoarthritis?

• A. High body mass index
• B. Low vitamin C intake
• C. High calcium intake
• D. Regular exercise

Answer: (A)

Osteoarthritis progresses when joint cartilage wears down under stress, and factors that increase mechanical load on joints or promote joint inflammation accelerate that wear. A higher body mass index raises the stress on weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips, speeding up cartilage degeneration and making OA more likely. In addition, excess fat tissue releases inflammatory signals that can contribute to joint damage, further promoting OA development. Low vitamin C intake isn’t a known driver of osteoarthritis, and high calcium intake isn’t linked to causing OA. Regular exercise tends to protect joints by strengthening muscles, improving stability, and helping manage weight, which reduces OA risk or slows its progression. So the factor most likely to contribute is a high body mass index.

Osteoarthritis progresses when joint cartilage wears down under stress, and factors that increase mechanical load on joints or promote joint inflammation accelerate that wear. A higher body mass index raises the stress on weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips, speeding up cartilage degeneration and making OA more likely. In addition, excess fat tissue releases inflammatory signals that can contribute to joint damage, further promoting OA development.

Low vitamin C intake isn’t a known driver of osteoarthritis, and high calcium intake isn’t linked to causing OA. Regular exercise tends to protect joints by strengthening muscles, improving stability, and helping manage weight, which reduces OA risk or slows its progression. So the factor most likely to contribute is a high body mass index.