Attainable weight loss benefits those with knee osteoarthritis

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

Losing just a little weight can bring significant pain relief to those with knee osteoarthritis.
Weight gain makes knee osteoarthritis worse because the added pressure on the knee joint causes more pain. Conversely, weight loss can bring relief. A new study from researchers at Johns Hopkins University reveals that you do not need to lose very much weight to feel the benefit.

They looked at 30 mildly obese patients with knee osteoarthritis who lost an average of 15 pounds with four months of weekly meetings focused on diet, exercise and lifestyle change. The weight loss was linked to a reduction in knee pain and an increase in the quality of life. This motivated the group to maintain this weight loss. The rate of weight loss - about a pound a week - is something that most people could achieve through a combination of healthy eating and increased physical activity. The gains in terms of reduced pain from knee osteoarthritis make it worthwhile the effort invested.

Source
American College of Rheumatology meeting 11th November 2006

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