In an Arthritis Today article, reporter Linda Rath writes about recent studies that found most people do not lose weight or exercise after joint replacement surgery.

Researchers at HSS tracked the weight of almost 7,000 patients who underwent knee or hip replacement. According to the article, only 30 percent lost weight.

Geoffrey H. Westrich, MD, hip & knee surgeon at HSS and lead author of the study, explained that "most patients have good intentions, but for many, it's a challenge to make the [necessary] lifestyle changes."

He noted that exercise and weight loss are essential for long-term joint health.

"[Regular exercise] keeps the muscles that support the joint replacement as strong as possible and helps absorb stress on the artificial joint. And a healthy weight can prevent or slow the progression of arthritis in other weight-bearing joints," Dr. Westrich said.

"Even mild exercise a few times a week or eliminating some extra calories daily can be beneficial," he added.

This article appeared in the February 2018 print issue.