Osteoarthritis

What it means

Osteoarthritis most often affects the knees, hips, hands, neck and lower back. Typical signs are joint pain and stiffness after rest that ease with movement, along with reduced range of motion. It develops over years and is more common with age, especially in women after 50.

The NIAMS lists overweight and obesity as risk factors. Extra weight adds load on knees and hips, and fat tissue may also add to joint inflammation.

For people with knee osteoarthritis and excess weight, weight loss combined with exercise is a widely recommended approach and has been shown in studies to ease pain and improve function for many people. Strengthening the muscles around a joint helps share the load.

Other treatments include physical therapy, pain-relieving medicines, injections and, for advanced disease, joint replacement. Some surgeons set BMI limits before joint replacement, which can make weight loss part of surgical planning.

Why it matters

Knee and hip pain often improve with weight loss, and joint surgery may require reaching a BMI target first.