Research now confirms that weight loss can relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis but also may also prevent the condition from developing. Orthopaedic surgeon Ryan C Koonce led a literature review on the subject, which has been published in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
The report’s authors say that obesity could be a cause of osteoarthritis, triggering the inflammation that characterises the condition, while also adding to the pain and the increasing loss of mobility often suffered by patients.
The review suggests around a half of all cases of osteoarthritis of the knee in the US could be prevented if the patient loses enough weight because too much weight and load bearing on a joint increases its wear and tear.
Obesity is an increasing problem in the developed world with the condition linked to a number of serious health conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and hypertension. An endocrine organ that may cause inflammation called white adipose tissue (WAT) is particularly common in obese adults, adding to the risk factors for osteoarthritis.
The report’s authors conclude that GPs and other physicians treating those with osteoarthritis should suggest weight loss to overweight or obese patients in the first instance. As well as possibly reducing pain or even preventing the condition from developing, losing weight has also been shown to improve the quality of life for individuals.