Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study of the Association between Knee Pain and Weight Change: Analysis of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES 2013-2015)

The knee is a hinge joint that provides stability and control, which are essential in daily life. Obesity is a major cause of knee pain and its incidence continues to increase worldwide. In this study, we analyzed Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data on the general population, and showed an association between weight change and knee pain. A total of 22,948 participants were enrolled; those under the age of 50 and those who did not answer the questions about knee pain or weight change were excluded. In all, 8480 patients were analyzed, 7001 (82.56%) of whom indicated that they did not have knee pain, versus 1479 (17.44%) who did experience knee pain. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to analyze the association between knee pain and weight change. With full adjustment for covariates, weight gain per se (OR 1.37; p = 0.002), and gains of 3-6 kg (OR 1.28; p = 0.029) and >= 6 kg (OR 1.62; p = 0.012), showed significant associations with knee pain. This cross-sectional study confirmed a significant association between knee pain and weight change. Therefore, when evaluating patients with knee pain, it is necessary to evaluate weight gain.