Strategies for weight reduction prior to total joint arthroplasty

• The number of total joint arthroplasty (TJA) procedures done in patients with obesity is increasing in the United States. • Compared with patients without obesity who undergo TJA, patients with obesity are at increased risk for numerous complications including periprosthetic joint infection and revision TJA. • Weight reduction prior to TJA in patients with obesity may mitigate these severe complications and the associated costs. • A multidisciplinary approach is most effective in order to achieve durable long-term weight loss. • Numerous therapies including behavioral, pharmaceutical, and surgical options exist but must be tailored to the individual patient.