Abstract

improves physical function in older obese adults with knee osteoarthritis. Obesity. 2006;14:1219–1230. Objective: Physical function and body composition in older obese adults with knee osteoarthritis (OA) were examined after intensive weight loss. Research Methods and Procedures: Older obese adults (n 87; 60 years; BMI 30.0 kg/m2) with symptomatic knee OA and difficulty with daily activities were recruited for a 6-month trial. Participants were randomized into either a weight stable (WS) or weight loss (WL) program. Partic-ipants in WL (10 % weight loss goal) were prescribed a 1000 kcal/d energy deficit diet with exercise 3 d/wk. WS partic-ipants attended health information sessions. Body compo-sition and physical function (Western Ontario and McMas-ter University Osteoarthritis Index, 6-minute walking distance, and stair climb time) were assessed at baseline and 6 months. Statistical analysis included univariate analysis of covariance on 6-month measurements using baseline values as covariates. Associations between physical function and body composition were performed. Results: Body weight decreased 8.7 0.8 % in WL and 0.0 0.7 % in WS. Body fat and fat-free mass were lower for WL than WS at 6 months (estimated means: fat 38.1 0.4 % vs. 40.9 0.4%, respectively; fat-free mass 56.7 0.4 vs. 58.8 0.4 kg, respectively). WL had better function than WS, with lower Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteo-arthritis Index scores, greater 6-minute walk distance, and faster stair climb time (p 0.05). Changes in function were associated with weight loss in the entire cohort. Discussion: An intensive weight loss intervention incorpo-rating energy deficit diet and exercise training improves physical function in older obese adults with knee OA. Greater improvements in function were observed in those with the most weight loss. Key words: physical function, disability, meal replace-ments, exercise, intentional weight los