Weight loss over 48 months is associated with reduced progression of cartilage T2 relaxation time values: Data from the osteoarthritis initiative

Purpose: To assess whether changes in knee cartilage MR-based T2 relaxation times are associated with weight loss in individuals with risk factors for knee osteoarthritis (OA) compared with controls with stable weight. Materials and Methods: One hundred twenty-seven individuals with risk factors for knee OA were studied: 62 subjects had a body mass index (BMI) decrease� 10% over 48 months and 65 controls had a BMI change <3%. Cartilage segmentation from five knee compartments at baseline and 48-month follow-up was performed, and T2 maps were generated. The association of change in T2 values over 48 months in the weight-loss group versus the control group was assessed using multiple linear regression models. Results: Weight loss was associated with significantly smaller increases in cartilage T2 in the medial femoral condyle (P ¼ 0.035) and overall medial compartment (P ¼ 0.006) compared with the controls. In a subgroup analysis comparing weight-loss subjects who were obese (BMI� 30 kg/m 2 ) and overweight (BMI 25‐30 kg/m 2 )a t baseline, obesity was associated with smaller increases in cartilage T2 values in the medial femoral condyle (P ¼ 0.022), lateral femoral condyle (P ¼ 0.015), patella (P ¼ 0.002), and globally across all compartments (P ¼ 0.002). Conclusion: A decrease in BMI of � 10% was associated with a slower progression of T2 values in individuals with risk factors for OA, suggesting a beneficial impact of weight loss on cartilage matrix degeneration.