• Deborah B Horn, Christopher Damsgaard, Kathi Earles, Sheba Mathew, and Amanda E Nelson.
• Department of Surgery and Center for Obesity Medicine and Metabolic Performance, University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, USA.
• Postgrad Med. 2021 Nov 1; 133 (8): 979-987.

Purpose Of The StudyObesity is a major risk factor for development and worsening of osteoarthritis (OA). Managing obesity with effective weight loss strategies can improve patients' OA symptoms, functionality, and quality of life. However, little is known about the clinical journey of patients with both OA and obesity. This study aimed to map the medical journey of patients with OA and obesity by characterizing the roles of health care providers, influential factors, and how treatment decisions are made.Study DesignA cross-sectional study was completed with 304 patients diagnosed with OA and a body mass index (BMI) of ≥30 kg/m2 and 101 primary care physicians (PCPs) treating patients who have OA and obesity.ResultsPatients with OA and obesity self-manage their OA for an average of five years before seeking care from a healthcare provider, typically a PCP. Upon diagnosis, OA treatments were discussed; many (61%) patients reported also discussing weight/weight management. Despite most (74%) patients being at least somewhat interested in anti-obesity medication, few (13%) discussed this with their PCP. Few (12%) physicians think their patients are motivated to lose weight, but almost all (90%) patients have/are currently trying to lose weight. Another barrier to effective obesity management in patients with OA is the low utilization of clinical guidelines for OA and obesity management by PCPs.ConclusionsAs the care coordinator of patients with OA and obesity, PCPs have a key role in supporting their patients in the treatment journey; obesity management guidelines can be valuable resources.

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