Clinical studies have thoroughly documented the relationship between obesity and osteoarthritis (OA). Obesity is consistently identified as a risk factor for developing knee OA, with a 35% increase in risk for every 5-unit rise in BMI. This risk is notably higher in women compared to men. Knee OA can be highly debilitating due to the associated pain and dysfunction. Research indicates that patients with class III obesity (BMI >40kg/m²) undergo knee replacement surgery, on average, 13 years earlier than those with a ‘normal’ BMI range.
As the most significant modifiable risk factor for knee OA, reducing weight can lower the risk of developing the disease. Weight loss in patients living with obesity and knee OA has been shown to improve pain, mobility, and joint function, and can also slow the progression of OA.
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