Half of Arthritis, Obesity Patients Not Counseled by Providers

Physicians can have a huge impact on patients. But when it comes to talking to arthritic, overweight, and obese patients about losing weight, some opportunities are being lost.

“Health Care Provider Counseling for Weight Loss Among Adults with Arthritis and Overweight or Obesity — United States, 2002–2014,” appears in the May 4, 2018 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Jennifer M. Hootman, Ph.D. is an epidemiologist in the Arthritis Program in the Division of Population Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Dr. Hootman told OTW, “We conducted a cross-sectional epidemiological study using data from the National Health Interview Survey to examine the prevalence of healthcare provider counseling among adults with arthritis and overweight or obesity.”

“Among the U.S. adult population, there were 28.3 million in 2002 and 38.9 million people in 2014 with arthritis and overweight or obesity. From 2002 to 2014, health care provider counseling for weight loss among U.S. adults with arthritis and overweight or obesity increased from 35.1% to 45.5%, which met the Healthy People 2020 target of 45.3%.”

“Though these improvements are encouraging, more than half of adults with arthritis and overweight or obesity are not receiving health care provider counseling for weight loss. Only 24% people with arthritis and overweight (Body Mass Index 25 to <30) received health care provider counseling for weight loss, while 85% of those with extreme obesity (class 3 – Body Mass Index >40) received counseling.”

“The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons recommends weight loss and physical activity for adults with hip or knee osteoarthritis. Orthopedic surgeons should recommend weight loss to patients that are overweight or have obesity. The best place to start is to advise patients to attempt weight loss and to be physically active.”

“Small changes can have a big impact. along with improving pain and mobility, a relatively small, but clinically significant, 5.1% reduction in weight over 20 weeks can significantly reduce functional disability in patients with knee osteoarthritis and obesity.”

“Weight loss discussion makes a difference. Adults with overweight or obesity who receive weight-loss counseling from a provider are approximately four times more likely to attempt to lose weight than are those who do not receive counseling.”