Q: I’ve heard that running is very hard on your joints? If I’m overweight, do the benefits of a regular jog outweigh the consequences?

A: The existing evidence on whether running causes osteoarthritis is currently insufficient to make an unequivocal conclusion of its risk. However, the preponderance of data seems to indicate that moderate levels of running do not increase the risk of osteoarthritis of the knees and hips for healthy people and that this activity might even have a protective effect. Keep in mind that a history of injury–from overuse or acute trauma as a result of running–can accelerate the onset of osteoarthritis and cause disability.

If you are overweight, you have a higher risk of such injuries occurring. It would be prudent for you to visit a qualified sports therapist or trainer to make certain that you have good form. These professionals might also identify other forms of cardiovascular exercise that are equally beneficial but have a lower risk of injury. Running has been shown to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and depression. This kind of physical activity has also been shown to help with weight control, to improve bone density, and to decrease mortality.

Dr. Brent Ridge is the health expert for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. You can call and ask him a question live every Tuesday at 2 p.m. Eastern on Sirius Satellite Radio, Channel 112 (1.866.675.6675). You can also follow along as he learns to grow his own food and raise goats on his farm in upstate New York by visiting www.beekman1802.com.

Got a health question for Dr. Brent? E-mail him at drbrent@care2.com.