Weight Loss Helps Reduce Issues with Knee Osteo-Arthritis

First Posted: Sep 25, 2013 03:08 PM EDT
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A recent study shows that weight loss can play a major role in the improvement of knee osteo-arthritis problems.

Lead study author Stepher Messier, a profess or health and exercise science at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C., looked into the issue of weight-loss and a greater ability to move more freely.

The researchers examined 454 overweight adults that were diagnosed with knee osteo-arthritis. The patients suffered from knee pain almost every day and were considered inactive in general. The study authors put those involved into three groups, including some on a diet with exercise, a diet plan only and an exercise plan only.

Over an 18-month monitoring period, the participants were asked to exercise for one hour a day, which was primarily composed of less strenuous activities such as walking or muscle workouts. The females who were on a diet plan had balanced nutrition and calorie-limit, with approximately 1,100 calories per day. Males had no less than 1,200 calories per day, all of which were specialized based on the needs of the individual.

After an 18 month period, the researchers evaluated the participants in order to measure any improvements made. The findings showed that the diet with exercise group lost 23 lbs. which was 11 percent less than their previous weight; the diet only group lost 19.6 lbs. or 9.5 percent and the exercise group only lost 4 lbs. or two percent of their original weight.

However the study notes that those under an exercise plan reported less knee pain and showed greater overall improved mobility. All groups also saw an improvement in speed walking.

More information regarding the study can be seen via the online journal JAMA.

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