Research

Energy balance

A combined dietary and exercise intervention produces significant weight loss (mean 18.8 lb) in older obese adults with knee osteoarthritis, whereas exercise alone yields minimal weight loss (4.0 lb).

For older adults with knee osteoarthritis, combining a supervised exercise program (walking and strength training) with a structured dietary plan leads to significant weight loss. Exercise alone is unlikely to produce substantial weight loss in this population. The goal should be a moderate weight loss (e.g., 15 lbs) over 6 months through cognitive-behavioral dietary strategies and supervised physical activity.

GoodSupportsMEDIUM confidence
The E&D group lost a mean of 18.8 lb (8.5 kg) at 6 months compared with 4.0 lb (1.8 kg) in the E group (P = .01).
Stephen P. Messier et al. · Journal of the American Geriatrics Society · 2000

Why this rating

Randomized clinical trial, but small sample size (n=24) and short duration (6 months).

Source

Exercise and Weight Loss in Obese Older Adults with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Preliminary Study

Stephen P. Messier et al. · Journal of the American Geriatrics Society · 2000

DOI 10.1111/j.1532-5415.2000.tb04781.x

rct · n=24Cited 291×
Read the paper
DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →