Is There a Dose-Response Relationship Between Weight Loss and Symptom Improvement in Persons With Knee Osteoarthritis?

Atukorala I, Makovey J, Lawler L, et al. · Arthritis Care & Research

Clear dose-response: every KOOS symptom subscale improved more with each additional weight-loss category; ~7.7% body-weight loss was needed for a minimal clinically important improvement in function.

Population

Adults with symptomatic knee OA in an 18-week community weight-loss program (mean BMI 34.4)

Intervention

Graded weight loss (<2.5% up to >10% of body weight)

Limitations

No control group; program completers analysis; symptoms only, no imaging.