In managing osteoarthritis in a 63-year-old man with a BMI of 36 kg/m², what is the most appropriate intervention?

In managing osteoarthritis, especially in an individual with obesity, weight loss is a key intervention. This is because excess weight significantly increases joint stress, particularly on weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips. For a 63-year-old man with a BMI of 36 kg/m², which indicates obesity, losing weight can lead to a reduction in the load on affected joints and can alleviate pain, improve function, and enhance overall quality of life.

Studies have shown that even modest weight loss (5-10% of body weight) can produce significant benefits in reducing osteoarthritis symptoms. This makes weight loss not only an effective intervention for improving joint health but also a critical component of a comprehensive management plan that addresses the individual's risk factors for progression of the disease.

Other interventions, such as pain management strategies or joint aspiration, may be supportive, but they do not address the underlying issue of excess body weight, which plays a central role in the exacerbation of osteoarthritis symptoms. Therefore, encouraging weight loss stands out as the most appropriate and impactful choice in this scenario.