Joint Replacement May Not Lead to Weight Loss

Why should it?

Studies assessing the effect of total hip arthroplasty (THA) and/or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) on postsurgical weight loss are inadequate and inconclusive, according to a systematic review published online...in Clinical Orthopedics and Related Research.

Maria C.S. Inacio, a doctoral candidate from San Diego State University/University of California, and colleagues conclude that the (admittedly low-quality) studies they analyzed provide "no conclusive evidence that weight or body composition increases, decreases, or remains the same after [total joint arthroplasty (TJA)]."

Weight loss might be expected to occur as a byproduct of THA or of TKA because of postsurgical reduction in pain and increased mobility, but Inacio, who is employed at Kaiser Permanente, and colleagues asked whether such weight loss actually happens.

Only fewer Calories in than out will result in weight loss.

Nothing else can or will.

Period.