Sports medicine stats: Knee osteoarthritis and obesity
Dr. David Geier is an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist in Charleston, South Carolina. He loves discussing and writing about sports & exercise injuries,
and has been featured in major media publications over 1,200 times throughout his career.
Obesity is one of the most prevalent risk factors of osteoarthritis of the knee. Obesity alone accounts for one-third of all knee osteoarthritis cases. It is thought to be the primary preventable cause of osteoarthritis in women and the second most in men. Obese individuals have a 4- to 10-fold higher risk of developing knee osteoarthritis than non-obese people.
Through the stories of a dozen athletes whose injuries and recovery advanced the field (including Joan Benoit, Michael Jordan, Brandi Chastain, and Tommy John), Dr. Geier explains how sports medicine makes sports safer for the pros, amateurs, student-athletes, and weekend warriors alike.
Obesity is one of the most prevalent risk factors of osteoarthritis of the knee. Obesity alone accounts for one-third of all knee osteoarthritis cases. It is thought to be the primary preventable cause of osteoarthritis in women and the second most in men. Obese individuals have a 4- to 10-fold higher risk of developing knee osteoarthritis than non-obese people.