Personalized Nutritional Strategies to Reduce Knee Osteoarthritis Severity and Ameliorate Sarcopenic Obesity Indices: A Practical Guide in an Orthopedic Setting

Abstract

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is one of the most common joint diseases, especially in individuals with obesity. Another condition within this population, and which presents frequently, is sarcopenic obesity (SO), defined as an increase in body fat and a decrease in muscle mass and strength. The current paper aims to describe recent nutritional strategies which can generally improve KOA clinical severity and, at the same time, ameliorate SO indices. Searches were carried out in the PubMed and Science Direct databases and data were summarized using a narrative approach. Certain key findings have been revealed. Firstly, the screening and identification of SO in patients with KOA is important, and to this end, simple physical performance tests and anthropometric measures are available in the literature. Secondly, adherence to a Mediterranean diet and the achievement of significant body weight loss by means of low-calorie diets (LCDs) remain the cornerstone nutritional treatment in this population. Thirdly, supplementation with certain micronutrients such as vitamin D, essential and non-essential amino acids, as well as whey protein, also appear to be beneficial. In conclusion, in the current review, we presented a detailed flowchart of three different nutritional tracks that can be adopted to improve both KOA and SO based on joint disease clinical severity.

The impact of Yoga on patients with knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

“…Therefore, non-pharmacological therapies such as exercise, physical therapy, and massage are more readily accepted by patients in clinical practice. Research has shown that nearly 80% of OA patients lack physical activity, which is a major contributing factor to poor prognosis and accelerated progression of the disease [ 15 , 16 ]. Exercise serves as a core nonpharmacological treatment for KOA and offers advantages such as safety, environmental friendliness, effectiveness, and low cost.…”

Personalized Physical Activity Programs for the Management of Knee Osteoarthritis in Individuals with Obesity: A Patient-Centered Approach

“…Sarcopenic Obesity Management-The management of SO in patients with KOA and obesity is just as important as the improvement of physical fitness. There are several recent publications relating to this specific population, covering different dietary and nutritional strategies that can potentially ameliorate the severity of KOA and, simultaneously, improve SO indices [64]. Adherence to a low-calorie Mediterranean diet can determine significant weight loss and remains the cornerstone nutritional approach in this population [64].…”

“…Adherence to a low-calorie Mediterranean diet can determine significant weight loss and remains the cornerstone nutritional approach in this population [64]. Supplements such as vitamin D, essential and nonessential amino acids and whey protein also appear to be beneficial to both KOA and SO [64]. • Increase the Levels of Physical Fitness and Performance-To improve cardiovascular fitness [61], aerobic outdoor (i.e., walking, cycling, swimming, jogging, etc.)…”

“…There are several recent publications relating to this specific population, covering different dietary and nutritional strategies that can potentially ameliorate the severity of KOA and, simultaneously, improve SO indices [64]. Adherence to a low-calorie Mediterranean diet can determine significant weight loss and remains the cornerstone nutritional approach in this population [64]. Supplements such as vitamin D, essential and non-essential amino acids and whey protein also appear to be beneficial to both KOA and SO [64].…”

“…Adherence to a low-calorie Mediterranean diet can determine significant weight loss and remains the cornerstone nutritional approach in this population [64]. Supplements such as vitamin D, essential and non-essential amino acids and whey protein also appear to be beneficial to both KOA and SO [64].…”