Weight loss before knee surgery shows promise in small trial

NCT ID NCT05853497

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Kansas Medical Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This pilot study tested whether a weight loss program before total knee replacement helps improve recovery. 24 adults with obesity (BMI 35-40) were assigned to either a very low-calorie diet with health coaching or standard care. The goal was to see if the program was feasible and could reduce pain and improve knee function after surgery.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Multi-Component Weight Loss Intervention (behavioral: very low-calorie diet, health coaching, physical activity)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a standard weight loss program before knee replacement to improve outcomes like pain and function.
What could go wrong: This is a very small pilot study (24 people) testing feasibility, not effectiveness. Results may not apply to everyone, and the strict diet may be hard to follow.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Obesity obesity disorder osteoarthritis susceptibility 6 osteoarthritis, knee

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ARTHROPATHY OF KNEE OBESITY

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Kansas Medical Center

Kansas City, Kansas, 66160, United States

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