Regional and National Burden of Osteoarthritis Attributable to High Body Mass Index in Western Pacific Countries and Territories, 1990-2023: A Systematic Analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most prevalent degenerative joint diseases worldwide and is characterized by chronic pain and functional decline, particularly among older adults. High body mass index (BMI) is a key modifiable risk factor associated with OA and may influence OA burden through biomechanical and metabolic pathways. This study aimed to assess the regional and national burden of OA attributable to high BMI in the Western Pacific Region from 1990 to 2023.