It's the single best thing I've done in the last 10 years: a qualitative study exploring patient and dietitian experiences with, and perceptions of, a multi-component dietary weight loss program for knee osteoarthritis

Objective: Explore patient and dietitian experiences with a multi-component dietary weight loss program for knee osteoarthritis to understand enablers and challenges to success at 6-months. Design: Qualitative study embedded within a randomised controlled trial. Semi-structured individual interviews with 24 patients with knee osteoarthritis who undertook, and five dietitians who supervised, a weight management program (involving a ketogenic very low calorie diet (VLCD), video consultations, educational resources) over 6 months. Data were thematically analysed. Results: Five themes were developed: (1) ease and convenience of program facilitated adherence (structure and simplicity of the meal replacements; not feeling hungry on diet; convenience of consulting via video) (2) social and professional support crucial for success (encouragement from partner, family, and friends; guidance from, and accountability to, dietitian; anxiety around going at it alone) (3) program was engaging and motivating (determination to stick to program; rapid weight loss helped motivation) (4) holistic nature of program was important (suite of high-quality educational resources; exercise important to compliment weight loss) (5) rewarding experience and lifelong impact (improved knee pain and function; positive lifestyle change). Conclusions: Patients and dietitians described positive experiences with the weight management program, valuing its simplicity, effectiveness, and convenience. Support from dietitians and a comprehensive suite of educational resources, incorporated with an exercise program, were considered crucial for success. Findings suggest this multi-component dietary program is an acceptable weight loss method in people with knee osteoarthritis that may benefit symptoms. Strategies for supporting long-term independent weight management should be a focus of future research. (C)2021 Osteoarthritis Research Society International. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The study explored patient and dietitian experiences with a multi-component dietary weight loss program for knee osteoarthritis, finding that the program's simplicity and convenience facilitated adherence, while social and professional support were crucial for success. Patients and dietitians described the program as engaging and motivating, with a holistic nature that was important for long-term impact. The findings suggest that this multi-component dietary program may benefit symptoms in people with knee osteoarthritis and strategies for supporting long-term weight management should be a focus of future research.