Recent research shows that people who are overweight can reduce their symptoms of knee arthritis by losing at least 20% of their weight.
Millions of older adults have stiff, painful knees caused by arthritis. Arthritis causes a breakdown of the cushion of tissue inside the knee joint. Without this cushion, bone can rub against bone. That may cause pain and swelling. Being overweight could make the symptoms worse.
Experts generally advise adults who are overweight or obese to lose at least 10% of their weight to reduce symptoms of knee arthritis. Recently, an NIH-funded research team wondered whether 20% weight loss would help reduce symptoms even more….