It should come as no surprise that the weight we carry on our bodies impacts our hip and knee joints. In fact, the forces experienced across the joint surfaces inside our hips and knees can be the equivalent of more than seven times our body weight according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Studies have also shown that approximately 30% of obese patients will require knee replacement surgery in their lifetime. This is why individuals needing a hip or knee replacement are sometimes told they need to lose weight before proceeding with surgery.
Instead of expecting patients to lose weight on their own, the orthopedic surgeons with Morris Hospital Orthopedics & Sports Medicine are referring patients to a new orthopedic weight loss program that was created in collaboration with the Morris Hospital YMCA. Called Joint Effort, the 12-week program is for individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 30 who have been advised to lose weight in order to become eligible for hip or knee replacement surgery.
BMI is the ratio that compares a person’s weight to their height. While a BMI of 25-29.9 is considered overweight, a BMI of 30 or above falls into the obesity classification.
Lacey Carls, a certified physician assistant with Morris Hospital Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, shares more about the program:
What inspired Morris Hospital to launch the Joint Effort program?
Lacey: In orthopedics, we see many patients whose mobility is limited by joint pain. This often keeps them from being active and living a healthier lifestyle. Part of my role as a physician assistant is to see surgical patients pre-operatively and assess if they are ready for surgery. Unfortunately, there are times when you have to tell a patient that they are not approved for surgery until they achieve weight loss. This can be a difficult conversation because many patients are having surgery due to chronic pain, limited mobility, and an impacted overall quality of life. I explain to them the elevated risks to having the surgery with the excess weight and help them understand the importance of losing weight as part of their health journey.
We created the Joint Effort program in collaboration with the Morris Hospital YMCA to further support our patients by helping them lose weight in a healthy way while also teaching skills they can use after their joint replacement. Our goal is to be a true partner in each patient’s health journey. Instead of simply telling someone we cannot proceed with surgery due to their weight, we offer this program as a solution to help them lower their BMI and move forward with their care.
How does the Joint Effort program work?
Lacey: Joint Effort is a guided, 12-week orthopedic weight loss program for people preparing for joint replacement surgery. It’s led by a dedicated team of wellness professionals from Morris Hospital and the Morris Hospital YMCA and combines low-impact exercise, nutrition education, and personalized support. The goal is to help patients lose weight safely and improve their joint health and overall well-being. With a focus on both physical activity and nutrition, Joint Effort supports patients in achieving sustainable, health-focused weight loss while improving their mobility and quality of life. Specifically the program includes:
- A 3-month facility membership to the Morris Hospital YMCA
- A personal fitness orientation to help navigate the YMCA wellness center
- Weekly water fitness classes designed to be gentle on joints
- Weekly support group sessions for motivation and accountability
- Monthly check-ins with the Morris Hospital Wellness Manager for progress tracking and weigh-ins
Who is eligible to participate?
Lacey: Participants must be referred to the program by a Morris Hospital orthopedic surgeon. The program is currently accepting hip and knee replacement patients, with a goal of expanding the program in the future to include spine surgeries.
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For individuals living with joint pain, Morris Hospital Orthopedics & Sports Medicine is here to help, with a goal of supporting patients through every phase of their joint health journey. By combining expert surgical care with programs like Joint Effort, the team at Morris Hospital Orthopedics & Sports Medicine is committed to helping individuals achieve better outcomes, regain mobility, and improve their overall quality of life. To schedule an appointment with a Morris Hospital orthopedic surgeon, call 815-942-4875. Offices are located in Morris, Joliet, Diamond and Ottawa.
