I believe the lack of movement is a contributing factor.  

However, in the last 2-3 years I changed my eating habits and significantly cut back on carbs/sugar and try to eat no more than two meals per day.  Lost 55lbs and the chronic aces/pains have all but disappeared.  Any time I engage in rigorous activity my level of soreness seems decreased and shorter in length versus the past.

Changing my eating habits has changed my physical health in every way.  I cannot think of a downside other than it costs more to eat healthy.  I believe the higher cost is more than offset by lower healthcare cost.

For most people, I don’t believe there is anything to lose by trying a low carb diet