Weight & Joint Health: How Losing 5 Kg Can Save Your Knees: Dr. Balaraju Naidu, Robotic Orthopedic Surgeon – ONUS Robotic Hospitals
Introduction: Every Step You Take, Your Knees Carry the Load
Your knees are among the hardest-working joints in your body, bearing the weight of every step, jump, and climb. But did you know that for every extra kilogram of body weight, your knees experience four times that force when walking? That means losing just 5 kg can reduce 20 kg of pressure on your knees with every step.
At ONUS Robotic Hospitals, we often see patients who believe their knee pain is simply due to “age.” In reality, excess body weight is one of the most common — and modifiable — causes of knee pain and early arthritis.
Understanding the Link Between Weight and Knee Health
Your knees act like shock absorbers, supported by cartilage, ligaments, and muscles. When your body weight increases:
- The cartilage wears down faster, leading to osteoarthritis.
- The knee alignment changes, creating uneven stress on the joint.
- The inflammatory chemicals associated with excess fat accelerate cartilage damage.
Even modest weight gain — as little as 2 to 3 kg — can start this damaging cycle. Over time, walking, climbing stairs, or even getting up from a chair becomes painful.
How Losing 5 Kg Makes a Big Difference
A 5 kg reduction in body weight may seem small, but the impact is significant:
| Benefit | Impact on Joints |
| Reduced Pressure | Every step relieves ~20 kg of pressure on the knees |
| Slower Cartilage Wear | Less strain helps protect joint cartilage |
| Decreased Inflammation | Fat tissue produces inflammatory cytokines that damage joints |
| Improved Mobility | Easier walking, better balance, and reduced stiffness |
| Lower Risk of Surgery | Maintaining healthy weight delays or prevents the need for joint replacement |
Research from the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center shows that losing 5 kg can reduce your risk of developing knee osteoarthritis by nearly 50% in women.
Beyond Weight Loss: Building Stronger Knees
While weight loss is a key step, joint health also depends on:
- Low-impact exercises like cycling, swimming, and brisk walking
- Strengthening quadriceps and hamstrings to stabilize the knee
- Maintaining flexibility through yoga or physiotherapy
- Balanced diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids
- Avoiding high heels and deep squats, which strain the joints
At ONUS Robotic Hospitals, our orthopedic experts combine personalized exercise plans, robotic diagnostics, and rehabilitation guidance to restore joint health safely.
When Should You See a Doctor?
You should consult an orthopedic specialist if you experience:
- Persistent knee pain for more than two weeks
- Swelling or stiffness after activity
- Popping or grinding sounds in the knee
- Difficulty in bending, climbing stairs, or walking long distances
These may be early signs of degenerative joint disease or mechanical imbalance, both of which respond better to early intervention.
Advanced Robotic Orthopedic Care at ONUS
At ONUS Robotic Hospitals, led by Dr. Balaraju Naidu, we specialize in:
- Robotic-assisted knee and hip replacements for precision alignment
- Arthroscopic and minimally invasive surgeries
- Comprehensive weight management and joint preservation programs
Our robotic technology ensures millimeter-level accuracy, faster recovery, and long-lasting joint function — helping patients regain mobility and confidence.
Take the First Step — Literally
Losing 5 kg is not just about looking fit — it’s about protecting your joints for life.
Every step you take at a healthy weight is an investment in your mobility, independence, and quality of life.
If you’re struggling with knee pain or early arthritis, visit Dr. Balaraju Naidu at ONUS Robotic Hospitals. Let us help you build stronger knees for a lighter, pain-free future.
