Obesity is a major risk factor for the incidence and progression of knee osteoarthritis.1 ,2 By the year 2025, obesity levels will reach 60%.3 Previous studies have shown that loss of between 5% and 10% of baseline body weight improves clinical outcomes (eg, pain and function) in overweight and obese adults with knee osteoarthritis, especially when combined with low-intensity exercise.4 ,5 Yet achieving long-term, intentional weight loss of this magnitude is difficult, especially in older populations. Jenkinson and colleagues sought to determine whether intentional dietary weight loss, with or without exercise, improved pain and function in overweight and obese adults with chronic knee pain.

Overweight and obese (body mass index ≥28 kg/m2) men (n = 132) and women …