Carrying too much weight is one of the most common reasons for back pain. It's a matter of simple mechanics that a skeletal system and spine designed to carry 150 pounds will have problems when additional pounds are added to the load. Many patients experience a complete reversal of symptoms simply by taking off the excess weight; others experience lessening of pain and greater mobility. Either way, maintaining a healthy weight and exercising is one of the best and easiest ways to improve overall health.

Sutter offers weight management programs for children and adults:

• Healthy Choices, Healthy Lives
• Pediatric Healthy Lifestyles Program
• Sutter Bariatric Services

Also search for Weight Management classes and support groups in the Greater Sacramento Area.

For further information, see our Healthwise health information sections on fitness, healthy eating, healthy eating for children, healthy weight, moderate diets for weight loss and obesity. You can find additional information under weight control, obesity, obesity in children, exercise and physical fitness, exercise for children and exercise for seniors in MedlinePlus®, a joint effort of the National Institutes of Health and the National Library of Medicine.

For more information on Nonsurgical Treatments, select one of the following:

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