The Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 reports a significant increase in osteoarthritis (OA) cases among postmenopausal women worldwide. Knee OA accounts for the highest burden with a sharp rise in the incidence, prevalence, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from 1990 to 2021. The study highlights disparities in OA burden by region and socio-demographic index, identifying high body mass index as a major risk factor. The burden of OA among postmenopausal women continues to escalate, necessitating effective monitoring and management of risk factors, lifestyle adjustments for BMI, and policy interventions to ease OA in this population.

Source: BMJ Global Health