Knee osteoarthritis is found to be the most prevalent type, resulting in loss of quality of life, closely followed by hand osteoarthritis | Image for representational purpose only
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According to a study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) Global Health, globally, cases of osteoarthritis and the resulting disability among menopausal women have increased by over 130 percent in the last three decades.
The findings show that an excess weight or body mass index accounted for about a fifth of the duration lived with disability resulting from the condition that steadily deteriorates joints.
Researchers, including those from Hangzhou Medical College, China, said declining oestrogen levels in menopause affect skeletal health and are directly related to functioning and stability of joints. Osteoarthritis affecting knee joints were found to be the most common type, associated with the highest loss of healthy living, followed by that affecting hands.
According to the study, countries in East Asia and high-income Asia Pacific experienced the fastest increase in burden of this chronic condition. While the most rapid rise in new cases of knee osteoarthritis was seen in Southeast Asia, the most rapid rise in prevalence was seen in East Asia.
The trends noted in East Asia “may be linked to rapid population aging, increased workforce participation and a surge in obesity rates due to urbanisation and changing lifestyles,” the authors wrote.
However, “the high burden observed in high-income Asia Pacific could be attributed to advanced healthcare systems with better diagnostic capabilities, facilitating comprehensive identification and reporting of cases”, they wrote. The findings also show an escalating burden of osteoarthritis among menopausal women and calls for proactive measures, especially those promoting lifestyle adjustments for controlling BMI, the authors said.
Additionally, a 2023 study published in The Lancet Rheumatology journal estimates that osteoarthritis affected approximately 600 million people worldwide in 2020, accounting for nearly 8% of the global population. Projections suggest that this number may swell to nearly 1 billion by 2050. The study’s findings are based on data from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 study, which analysed the prevalence, severity, and mortality rates of 371 diseases across 204 countries and territories between 1990 and 2021.
Published – March 12, 2025 04:33 pm IST
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