Effects of a 4-week Dietary Behavior Modification Program on Disability, Pain, Weight, and Body Mass Index in Overweight Individuals with Knee Osteoarthritis

Objective: This study evaluated the effects of a 4-week dietary behavior modification program on disability, pain, weight, and body mass index (BMI) in overweight adults with osteoarthritis knee (OA knee).Material and Methods: An assessor-blinded study was conducted among adults aged 45–75 years with OA knee and BMI 25.0–29.9 kg/m². Participants who reported a pain score of 4 of 10 or greater on the numeric rating scale were enrolled. They (n= 18) were allocated to a 4-week dietary program emphasizing the Thai food-based dietary guidelines (50% vegetables and fruits, 25% whole-food carbohydrates, 25% lean protein), with 3 meals/day, no calorie counting, and food diaries. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and 4 weeks in random order, including Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) for disability, weight, BMI, and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain.Results: After 4 weeks, there were significant improvements in weight and BMI, alongside WOMAC score, with clinically meaningful reductions in knee pain on the VAS. The dietary approach demonstrated good adherence via diaries and lacked adverse events related to dieting.Conclusion: The 4-week dietary behavior modification program grounded in Thai food-based dietary guidelines can positively influence weight, pain, and disability outcomes in overweight individuals with OA knee, supporting weight management as a pivotal nonpharmacological strategy.