Diet and exercise for obese adults with knee osteoarthritis

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common chronic disease and there is a need for treatments that can be provided for the course of the disease with minimal adverse side effects. Exercise is a safe intervention in patients with knee OA with few contraindications or adverse events. Obesity is the most modifiable risk factor for knee OA. The mechanisms by which obesity affects OA are of great concern to researchers and clinicians who manage this disease. This article reviews the physiologic and mechanical consequences of obesity and exercise on older adults with knee OA, the effects of long-term weight loss and exercise interventions, and the utility and feasibility of translating these results to clinical practice.

Figure 1

Odds of knee OA (Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals) attributable to BMI (for 12 BMI categories of BMI).

Figure 2

Relationship between midfoot peak pressure and BMI.

Figure 3

Vertical ground reaction forces during the stance phase of gait. Obese individuals exert 60% more vertical ground reaction force than normal-weight individuals.

Figure 4

Disability versus duration of intervention for the aerobic, resistance training, and health education control groups. Lower values indicate less disability.