Osteoarthritis

Excess weight is a major modifiable risk factor for knee osteoarthritis and pain. This article examines the biomechanical and inflammatory mechanisms by which weight affects knee joint health, the evidence on how much weight loss is needed to produce meaningful benefit, and exercise strategies that build towards weight loss without aggravating knee symptoms.

Even modest weight loss — 5–10% of body weight — produces measurable clinical benefits across multiple disease categories. This article reviews the evidence on weight loss benefits for cardiovascular, metabolic, musculoskeletal, and oncological health.