26/07/2025
Over the weekend, I had the privilege of speaking at the Osteoarthritis (OA) Aotearoa New Zealand Summit on weight management in OA.
My presentation was on the role of weight management and the emerging role of GLP-1 receptor agonists, specifically focusing on the science and clinical application of whole food, carbohydrate-reduction (i.e. low carb and ketogenic diets) particularly for their anti-inflammatory benefits.
While OA isn’t classically inflammatory like rheumatoid arthritis, low-grade inflammation is a key part of the disease process. What’s often overlooked is that excess body fat, particularly visceral fat, acts like an inflammatory organ, releasing adipokines that contribute to systemic metabolic and joint disease. Reducing this fat burden eases joint pain, supports movement, and improves quality of life.
The audience, physiotherapists, physicians, GPs, and people living with OA, were curious, open-minded, and genuinely engaged with the evidence supporting a metabolic health lens, even though it challenges mainstream nutrition guidance. The great energy and thoughtful discussion made it a refreshing experience, a real win for science, clinical care, and open dialogue.
Feeling grateful to the organising team for the opportunity to contribute to this important space.
