The Effect of Weight Loss on Osteoarthritis Symptoms in Obese Patients with Osteoarthritis

Abstract

Objective: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a very common joint disease and obesity is accepted as a modifiable risk factor for knee OA. This study aims to reduce OA symptoms with dietary intervention that will provide at least 10% body weight loss in volunteers diagnosed as having knee OA and obesity. Methods: As an open, uncontrolled randomized study, it was conducted with patients admitted to Istanbul Fatih Sultan Mehmet Hospital. Fourty volunteers (mean of age: 58 +/- 10.9 years, 4 males, 36 females) having knee OA grade 22 according to Kellgren-Lawrence radiological classification and obesity [body mass index (BMI) 230 kg/m(2)] were included in the study. Individuals were given a diet program containing 50-60% carbohydrate, 15-20% protein and 25-30% fat for 16 weeks, and they were planned to lose weight and followed up. WOMAC OA index was used for the evaluation of pain, stiffness and physical functions. Results: After 16 weeks, individuals lost an average of 7.5% of their weight. A decrease of 2.75 kg/m(2) was observed in the BMI (p<0.05). A significant reduction was observed between the first and the last WOMAC pain scores (p<0.05). A significant relationship was also found between the decrease in BMI and the decrease WOMAC score (p<0.05). Conclusion: The decrease of 2.75 kg/m(2) in BMI and the weight loss of 7.5% provided decrease in ViWOMAC pain score. Weight loss should be the optimal approach in the management of obese patients with knee OA.