Telehealth program enhances joint replacement eligibility chances

A new telehealth weight-loss program called 20Lighter has shown promising results for patients needing joint replacement surgery. In just eight weeks, participants improved their weight and became more eligible for procedures without needing surgery or medication. This study presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons meeting compared the 20Lighter program with standard lifestyle advice. Patients in the telehealth program had better success in reaching their weight targets compared to those receiving conventional care. Dr. Jeffrey Stambough, an orthopedic surgeon, noted that many patients with high body mass indexes (BMIs) could not have joint replacement due to their weight. The 20Lighter program offers a solution that avoids more invasive approaches like surgery or expensive medications. The program includes custom meal plans, nutritional supplements, and daily engagement via a smartphone app. It was tested on patients with high BMIs seeking joint surgery. Half participated in the weight-loss program, while the other half received standard care. Results showed those in the telehealth program had a significant decrease in average BMI, falling from 44.52 to 39.15, while the control group saw a smaller reduction. A remarkable 70% of the telehealth participants became eligible for surgery, in contrast to none in the standard care group. Although the program appears effective, Dr. Sean Rajaee cautioned against strict BMI limits for surgery candidates. He emphasized that individual care is essential. Losing weight is important, but it shouldn’t compromise overall health. While the program has challenges, such as adherence to strict dieting, those who follow it can see beneficial results. Stambough encourages other orthopedic surgeons to consider similar weight-loss programs to help their patients improve health before surgery.