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. 2014 Jul;15(7):578-86.
doi: 10.1111/obr.12173. Epub 2014 Apr 22.

Osteoarthritis, obesity and weight loss: evidence, hypotheses and horizons - a scoping review

H Bliddal  1 , A R Leeds, R Christensen
Affiliations

Osteoarthritis, obesity and weight loss: evidence, hypotheses and horizons - a scoping review

H Bliddal et al. Obes Rev. 2014 Jul.

Abstract

Obesity is widely acknowledged as a risk factor for both the incidence and progression of osteoarthritis, and has a negative influence on outcomes. Loss of at least 10% of body weight, coupled with exercise, is recognized as a cornerstone in the management of obese patients with osteoarthritis, and can lead to significant improvement in symptoms, pain relief, physical function and health-related quality of life. However, questions still remain surrounding optimal management. Given the significant health, social and economic burden of osteoarthritis, especially in obese patients, it is imperative to advance our knowledge of osteoarthritis and obesity, and apply this to improving care and outcomes. This paper overviews what is already known about osteoarthritis and obesity, discusses current key challenges and ongoing hypotheses arising from research in these areas, and finally, postulates what the future may hold in terms of new horizons for obese patients with osteoarthritis.

Keywords: Obesity; osteoarthritis; treatment; weight loss.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Dose–response relationship for the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) physical function (a) and pain (b) scales. Point estimates and 95& confidence interval (95& CI) bars were derived from unadjusted estimates. Reproduced with permission from Riddle DL, Stratford PW. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2013; 65: 15–22
Figure 2
Figure 2
Potential obesity-related pathways that contribute to osteoarthritis.CRP, C-reactive protein; IL, interleukin; TNF, tumour necrosis factor. Reproduced with permission from Vincent HK, Heywood K, Connelly J, Hurley RW. PM R 2012; 4(5 Suppl): S59–67 .
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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