The Role of Weight Loss in Managing Knee Osteoarthritis: A Non‑Surgical Solution for Patients

Published in the Australian Journal of General Practice
December 2024

Written by
Nicole Hedditch- Director of Clinical Operations & Logistics ‑ Prima Health Solutions
Peter Mastello- Senior Product Manager ‑ Honeysuckle Health

Osteoarthritis affects nearly 10% of Australians, with excess weight being a significant contributor to the onset and progression of knee osteoarthritis. A recent study highlights how the Osteoarthritis Healthy Weight For Life (OA HWFL) program offers an effective, non-surgical solution for managing this condition.

Key Findings from the Study

Direct correlation: Greater weight loss leads to more significant improvements in knee pain and function.
Weight loss matters: Even a 2.5% reduction in initial body weight results in meaningful improvements.
Severe symptoms see bigger benefits: Patients with severe knee pain at baseline reported more substantial improvements compared to those with milder symptoms.
Consistent results across BMI categories: Weight loss benefits were evident regardless of the starting BMI.

The Osteoarthritis Healthy Weight For Life Program

The OA HWFL program is an 18-week, patient-led, clinician-supported initiative that combines weight loss, self-directed exercise and healthcare support to improve outcomes for patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Program Features

Comprehensive support: Delivered by a multidisciplinary team of registered dietitians, nurses, occupational therapists and pharmacists.
Self-directed exercise plans: Tailored activities to improve mobility, stability and joint health.
Proven track record: Over 18,000 participants supported in the past 20 years, achieving an impressive Net Promoter Score of +71.
Fully funded access: Available to eligible patients through most Australian private health insurers.

Positive Impact on Knee Pain and Function

The study analysed data from more than 6,000 participants and demonstrated:

Significant reductions in knee pain and improvements in function.
Meaningful benefits for all participants, with greater improvements for those who achieved higher levels of weight loss.
Clinically relevant improvements with as little as 2.5% weight loss.

Why Early Intervention Matters

Osteoarthritis is a progressive condition, making early intervention essential. By referring patients to the OA HWFL program, healthcare professionals can provide a supportive, non-invasive approach that helps patients achieve better outcomes, including:

Reduced knee pain and stiffness.
Improved mobility and joint function.
Enhanced overall quality of life.

Encouraging Results for Clinicians

The study highlights the role weight loss programs like HWFL can play in addressing knee osteoarthritis. With a strong evidence base and positive patient outcomes the program provides General Practitioners and Specialists with a practical and effective option for managing this common condition.

Learn More

For more information about the OA HWFL program and how it can support you or your patients, visit our dedicated program page.