Association of weight gain with incident knee pain, stiffness, and functional difficulties: A longitudinal study

Abstract

Objective To examine the longitudinal association between significant weight change and change in knee symptoms (pain, stiffness, and function), and to determine whether the effects differ in those who are obese and those with osteoarthritis (OA). Methods Two hundred fifty subjects ranging from normal weight to obese (body mass index range 16.9-59.1 kg/m2) and no significant musculoskeletal disease were recruited from the general community and weight loss clinics and organizations. Seventy-eight percent were followed at ∼2 years. Weight, height, and knee symptoms (using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) were assessed at baseline and followup. Any weight loss..