1) What is Obesity and how big is the problem?

Obesity is a global problem, which is increasing rapidly. It is a medical condition where abnormal or excessive fat accumulates in the body that may impair health. According to WHO, about 13% of the world’s adult population is obese and it tripled between 1975 and 2016. This problem is also rising in the younger population. 

2) How to calculate the Obesity? 

Body mass index (BMI) is a simple indicator of weight-for-height, which is used to classify overweight and obesity in adults into four grades. Grade I or Overweight has BMI between  25 -30, Grade II or Class I Obesity, with a BMI between 30-35, Grade III or Class II Obesity has BMI of 35 to 40, and Grade IV or  Class III or Morbid Obesity has BMI of greater than 40.  

3) Risks associated with the Obesity

Raised BMI is a significant risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCD), such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, osteoarthritis (OA), and some cancers.  

4) Relationship of Obesity and Knee arthritis 

Obesity increases the chances of developing knee osteoarthritis, by 3 to 5 times, that too in early life, and in more severe form. The risk of developing knee osteoarthritis increases by 36% for every 5 kilograms increase in BMI.  

5) Treatment of severe knee arthritis 

Many of these cases with advanced knee arthritis require surgical interventions like total knee replacement (TKR). Obese patients are challenging to treat, as they may have an increased risk of medical and surgical complications.  The risk of developing complications increases with a transition to the higher classes of obesity. 

The modern artificial joints are strong and durable (due to better implants like coated components, and Vitamin E poly) to last for a long time, even in obese. Our research suggested that all cases, irrespective of their class of obesity, experience a comparable improvement in their knee function and improved quality of life. In addition, the TKR offers substantial benefits in terms of increased walking distance, pain relief, improved range of knee movements, and stairs climbing.