Obesity and Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee, a relationship that must be considered when deciding on a therapeutic strategy
Mayra Castillo Jurado
Published 2024-12-24
Keywords
- Obesity,
- Osteoarthritis,
- knee osteoarthritis
How to Cite
Copyright (c) 2024 Reumatología al Día
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Abstract
The article highlights the close relationship between obesity and knee osteoarthritis (OA), emphasizing its impact on diagnosis, progression, and treatment. Obesity increases mechanical stress on joints, causes inflammation, and elevates the risk of comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension. Additionally, visceral adipose tissue secretes soluble mediators that intensify joint pain.
The article notes that not all obese individuals experience the same functional consequences, and conditions such as sarcopenic obesity worsen long-term functional outcomes. Each kilogram of excess weight significantly increases the risk of OA and joint pressure, with a 14% increased risk of gonarthrosis for every additional kilogram.
Comprehensive treatment should include physical activity (strength and resistance exercises), proper nutrition, and medications like semaglutide, which have shown benefits in weight loss, pain reduction, and improved mobility. Weight loss prior to surgical procedures, such as hip replacement, is also recommended to minimize complications.
In conclusion, addressing obesity in patients with knee OA can alleviate pain, enhance functionality, and reduce long-term medication use, promoting a multidisciplinary approach focused on patient well-being.
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References
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