Obesity is a known risk factor for developing osteoarthritis and is also associated with an increased risk of developing complications post total hip replacement (THR). This study investigated the association between obesity and the risk of undergoing THR in Australia. From July 2017 to June 2018 a National Health Survey was conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics to collect height and weight data on a representative sample of patients across urban and rural areas across the country. This study examined a cohort of patients undergoing primary THR utilising data from the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry from the same time period. Obesity classes were determined according to WHO criteria. Body mass index (BMI) for patients undergoing THR were obtained and the distribution of THR patients by BMI category was compared to the general population, in age and sex sub-groups. Generalised linear models assuming a binomial distribution and a log link were used to generate relative risks. Data from underweight categories, and age categories 34 years and younger, were excluded from further analyses because of small numbers. Data from the health survey showed there were 35.6% of persons overweight and 31.3% obese. During the same period, 32,495 primary THR were performed for osteoarthritis in Australia on patients who had a BMI recorded. Of these patients 37.1% were overweight and 41.7% were obese. Compared to the general population, there was a higher incidence of Class I, II, and III obesity in patients undergoing THR in both sexes aged 35 to 74 years. Class III obese females and males aged 55–64 years were 2.9 and 1.7 times more likely to undergo HR, respectively (p<0.001). Class III obese females and males underwent THR on average 5.7 and 7.0 years younger than their normal weight counterparts, respectively. Obese Australians are at increased risk of undergoing THR, and at a younger age. A national approach to address the prevalence of obesity, and possible prevention strategies, is needed.
