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Knee osteoarthritis and body mass index: a population-based case-control study
S Holmberg1, A Thelin, N Thelin
1R&D-centre, Kronoberg County Council, Växjö, Sweden. sara.holmberg@ltkronoberg.se
Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology
|May 21, 2005
Summary
Even a slightly higher body mass index (BMI) within the normal range increases knee osteoarthritis risk in men. Maintaining a healthy weight throughout life is crucial for preventing knee pain and osteoarthritis.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Overweight is a known risk factor for knee osteoarthritis.
- The relationship between normal weight ranges of body mass index (BMI) and knee osteoarthritis risk requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between BMI within the normal weight range and knee osteoarthritis risk in men and women.
- To evaluate the impact of current versus former weight status on knee osteoarthritis development.
Main Methods:
- A population-based case-control study involving 825 cases of knee osteoarthritis and 825 matched controls.
- Data collected via mailed questionnaires on weight, height, and potential confounders.
- Logistic regression models were used for data analysis.
Main Results:
- A fourfold increased risk of knee osteoarthritis was observed in men with a BMI of 23 to <25 kg/m² compared to those with BMI <23 kg/m².
- Women showed a 1.6-fold increased risk for the same BMI range.
- BMI at age 30 was also significantly associated with knee osteoarthritis risk.
Conclusions:
- A moderate increase in BMI, even within the normal weight range, is significantly linked to knee osteoarthritis in men.
- Being overweight at any point in life is associated with an increased risk of developing knee osteoarthritis.