Study Overview: The Osteoarthritis Prevention Study (TOPS) and its Impact on Women’s Health

A groundbreaking new study at Wake Forest University is aiming to prevent osteoarthritis in women through weight loss. Led by Professor Shannon Mihalko and Professor Gary Miller, the study will evaluate the impact of weight loss on degenerative changes in the knee, knee pain, mobility, and quality of life.

Mihalko, an expert in behavioral psychology, is particularly interested in measuring how support during the weight loss journey can help participants maintain their weight loss long-term. She emphasized the importance of finding ways to prevent weight regain, as many people who lose weight end up gaining it back.

The study, called TOPS (Targeting Osteoarthritis with Weight Loss), is now open for recruitment. Participants will be evaluated using MRI scans and other measures to track their progress over the course of four years.

Simon St Ledger, CEO of Rapid Nutrition, expressed his excitement about supporting the study with their premium meal replacement range, highlighting their commitment to promoting women’s health and well-being.

The research team at Wake Forest University has a long history of studying osteoarthritis, with previous projects including the Fitness Arthritis in Seniors Trial (FAST) and the Weight loss and Exercise for Communities with Arthritis in North Carolina (WE-CAN) study.

For those interested in participating in the TOPS study, they can apply by calling 336-713-8539, option 6, or visiting the study website at https://www.tops-study.org/. This study has the potential to greatly improve the quality of life for women at risk of osteoarthritis, offering hope for a future free from the limitations of the disease.