Obesity, knee osteoarthritis, and polypathology: factors favoring weight loss in older people.

Aim: We aimed to explore the meaning of obesity in elderly persons with knee osteoarthritis (KO) and to determine the factors that encourage or discourage weight loss.

Background: Various studies have demonstrated that body mass index is related to KO and that weight loss improves symptoms and functional capacity. However, dietary habits are difficult to modify and most education programs are ineffective.

[Characterization of patients with rheumatoid arthritis according to the health care level].

Objective: To characterize rheumatoid arthritis patients seen in Rheumatology Units at different health care levels.

Material And Methods: Questionnaire and clinical examination of rheumatoid arthritis patients seen as outpatients in Rheumatology Units from Primary Care, county Hospitals and Reference Hospitals. Demographic, social, labour and disease data were collected.