Patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) suffer from immobility and pain. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the relationship between pain and functionality in middle-aged and older overweight and obese individuals with mild-to-moderate knee OA. Overall pattern, physical activity, and total energy expenditure (TEE) were assessed in 83 participants. The Western Ontario McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) was used to assess lower extremity pain and function. The six-minute walk test (6-MWT) and range of motion (ROM) were also assessed. Results indicated that age was inversely associated with body mass index (BMI) (r = 0.349) and total WOMAC scores (r = 0.247). BMI was positively associated with TEE (r = 0.430) and WOMAC scores (r = 0.268), while ROM was positively associated with the 6-MWT (r = 0.561) and negatively associated with WOMAC (r = 0.338) and pain scores (r = 0.222). Furthermore, women had significantly greater WOMAC scores (p = 0.046) than men. Older participants (≥65 years old) had significantly lower BMI (p = 0.002), and distance traveled during the 6-MWT (p = 0.013). Our findings indicate that older individuals in this population with knee OA had lower BMI, greater ROM, and less pain and stiffness and walked slower than middle-aged individuals. Women reported greater pain, stiffness, and reduced functionality, indicating that the manifestation of OA may vary due to gender.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality largely due to increased cardiovascular disease risk. This study examined the relationships among protein consumption and sources on glycemic control and cardiovascular health in individuals with prediabetes and T2D. Sixty-two overweight or obese participants with prediabetes or T2D, aged 45–75 years were stratified into the following three groups based on protein intake: <0.8 g (gram)/kg (kilogram) body weight (bw), ≥0.8 but <1.0 g/kg bw, and ≥1.0 g/kg bw as below, meeting, and above the recommended levels of protein intake, respectively. Body mass, body mass index (BMI), hip circumference (HC), waist circumference (WC), lean mass, and fat mass (FM) were significantly higher in participants who consumed below the recommended level of protein intake as compared with other groups. Higher animal protein intake was associated with greater insulin secretion and lower triglycerides (TG). Total, low-density, and high-density cholesterol were significantly higher in participants who met the recommended protein intake as compared with the other groups. These data suggest that high protein consumption is associated with lower BMI, HC, WC, and FM, and can improve insulin resistance without affecting lipid profiles in this population. Furthermore, higher intake of animal protein can improve β-cell function and lower plasma TG.