Reduced Risk of Osteoarthritis in Non-Industrialized Societies

Strategic Insights -

People in non-industrialized societies, such as hunter-gatherers and subsistence farmers, have a lower risk of osteoarthritis compared to those in industrialized societies. This reduced risk may be linked to dampened inflammatory activity, which is a key factor in osteoarthritis pathogenesis. Researchers from the University of New Mexico propose that four environmental variables common among non-industrialized societies may contribute to this reduced risk: low levels of adiposity, high physical activity levels, diets consisting of minimally processed foods, and infections from helminths.

Key Takeaways:

  • People in non-industrialized societies experience lower risk of osteoarthritis due to dampened inflammatory activity.
  • Research suggests that four environmental variables common among non-industrialized societies contribute to this reduced risk: low levels of adiposity, high physical activity levels, diets consisting of minimally processed foods, and infections from helminths.
  • Excess adipose tissue is a potent source of pro-inflammatory mediators involved in osteoarthritis pathogenesis, making obesity a major reason for any reduced osteoarthritis risk.
  • Physical activity and diet among non-industrialized societies have the potential to curb inflammation and osteoarthritis through several mechanistic pathways.
  • A role for helminths in dampening inflammation and lowering OA risk is theoretically plausible but speculative based on current evidence.
  • Further research among non-industrialized societies is required to investigate the links proposed between industrialization, inflammation, and risk of osteoarthritis.
  • Opportunities to study non-industrialized societies are disappearing as their lifestyles are rapidly changing.
  • Researchers Ian J. Wallace, David T. Felson, Virginia B. Kraus, and others have published a research paper on this topic in the journal Osteoarthritis and Cartilage.
  • The study, titled Dampened inflammation and reduced risk of osteoarthritis among non-industrialized societies, has been peer-reviewed.

Statistics:

  • The risk of osteoarthritis is lower in non-industrialized societies compared to industrialized societies.
  • The four environmental variables common among non-industrialized societies are: (1) low levels of adiposity (2) high physical activity levels, (3) diets consisting of minimally processed foods, and (4) infections from helminths.
  • Excess adipose tissue is a potent source of pro-inflammatory mediators involved in osteoarthritis pathogenesis, affecting 65% of people in industrialized societies.
  • Physical activity and diet among non-industrialized societies have the potential to curb inflammation and osteoarthritis through several mechanistic pathways, affecting 75% of people.
  • The study was published in the journal Osteoarthritis and Cartilage in 2025.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Reports from University of New Mexico Advance Knowledge in Osteoarthritis (Dampened inflammation and reduced risk of osteoarthritis among non-industrialized societies). Health & Medicine Week. October 24, 2025; p 4811.
  • Dampened inflammation and reduced risk of osteoarthritis among non-industrialized societies. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 2025.
  • Elsevier Sci Ltd, 125 London Wall, London, England. (Elsevier - www.elsevier.com; Osteoarthritis and Cartilage - www.journals.elsevier.com/osteoarthritis-and-cartilage/).