Changes in Body Weight After Total Hip Arthroplasty: Short-term and Long-term Effects

Background. Elevated body weight is associated with hip osteoarthritis (OA) and subsequently with total hip arthroplasty (THA). Patients with hip OA who are overweight often mention their restricted mobility as a factor that thwarts their attempts to be physically active and lose weight. There is some evidence that THA increases physical activity, but none for losing body weight after THA. Objective. The purpose of this study was to analyze the short-term (1-year) and long-term (4.5-year) effects of a THA on body weight. Design. This was an observational, multicenter cohort study. Methods. For the short-term effect, all patients (N618) were analyzed; for the long-term effect, a random subgroup (n100) was analyzed. Preoperative and postoperative body weight and height were self-reported. Patients were categorized according to their preoperative body mass index (BMI 25 kg/m 2 normal weight, 25–30 kg/m 2 overweight, 30 kg/m 2 obese). Clinical relevancy was set at a minimum of 5% weight loss compared with baseline.