Osteoarthritis

According to the American Obesity Association, obesity is associated with the development of osteoarthritis (OA) of the hand, hip, back, and especially the knee. The incidence of OA has been shown to steadily increase in patients with a BMI of >25, even though a modest weight loss of 10-15 pounds could relieve symptoms and delay disease progression of knee OA.¹⁶

Reports in the literature show a 52% to 25% cure to improvement rate of arthralgia, often the result of arthritis, was seen 4 years following LAGB surgery. One hundred and seventy-nine patients who had LAGB surgery lost a mean %EWL of 45.7% (+/-17.1) during the first year and saw major improvements in their arthritis and a remarkable decline in their medication usage.^17,19

Relevant Links:
Physician Resources—Osteoarthritis
Standards of Care—Osteoarthritis