The obesity-osteoarthritis nexus: A bibliometric analysis of global research trends and emerging frontiers

Osteoarthritis represents a prevalent degenerative joint disorder. Obesity influences its onset and progression through multifactorial mechanisms encompassing biomechanical stress and systemic inflammation. This study aims to delineate the current research landscape and identify emerging thematic frontiers.

Literature pertaining to obesity and osteoarthritis was retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database, spanning publications from January 2006 to November 2025. Bibliometric analyses were conducted using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and the Bibliometrix R package.

A total of 4956 publications were analyzed, revealing a consistent linear growth trajectory. The United States emerged as the predominant contributor, yielding the highest publication output (n = 1643) and citation impact (total citations = 103,451). The University of Sydney constitutes a pivotal institution within this field. Journals including Osteoarthritis and Cartilage and Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases served as principal platforms for high-impact scholarship. David J. Hunter was identified as the most influential author. Keyword clustering delineated inflammation, exercise, prevalence, total knee arthroplasty, body composition, and hyaluronic acid as core research domains, whereas contemporary frontiers converge on adipokines, apoptosis, and oxidative stress.

Research at the obesity-osteoarthritis nexus has attracted considerable attention in recent years. This bibliometric analysis elucidates the interrelationship between these conditions while clarifying prevailing research priorities and developmental trajectories, thereby informing future investigative directions.