Easier movement
- Published in
- Ann Rheum Dis 2007
- People studied
- 454
In 4 trials with 454 people with knee osteoarthritis, physical disability could improve once weight fell by more than 5%.
- Checked against
- PubMed 17204567
- Published in
- Ann Rheum Dis 2007
- Last checked
- 30 October 2026
Key takeaway
This review pooled 4 randomised trials with 454 people with overweight and knee osteoarthritis, in which weight loss was the only difference from the comparison group. An average loss of about 6 kg went with small improvements in pain and physical disability. In a statistical model, disability could improve once weight fell by more than about 5%.
At a glance
- Type of study
- pooled analysis of randomised trials (meta-analysis)
- People studied
- 454
- Compared with
- control groups that differed only in not losing weight
- Main result
- Disability could improve once weight fell by more than about 5%.
- Strength of evidence
- Randomised trials
What this study does not show
Only 4 trials, and the effects were small. Pain improved too, but how much could not be predicted from the weight lost.
Results from studies in groups of people, mostly in diet and movement programmes. They cannot be promised to any one person. This information is educational and does not replace a consultation with a doctor.
More on joints
- Less load on the kneeLong-term or observational studies · Messier et al., Arthritis Rheum 2005
- Lower risk of knee arthritisLong-term or observational studies · Felson et al., Ann Intern Med 1992
- Easier movementRandomised trials · Christensen et al., Ann Rheum Dis 2007
- Less knee painRandomised trials · Messier et al., JAMA 2013
- Slightly less knee painRandomised trials · Messier et al., JAMA 2022
- Better mobilityRandomised trials · Rejeski et al., NEJM 2012
- More weight lost, more reliefSmall or uncontrolled studies · Atukorala et al., Arthritis Care Res 2016
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