Older adults with rheumatoid arthritis and obesity stuck to a diet plan to lose 7% of their weight 94% of the time when guided remotely — much better than how often they stick to exercise plans like cardio or strength training.

What we've found so far suggests that older adults with rheumatoid arthritis and obesity may stick to diet goals more consistently than exercise goals when trying to lose weight. Our analysis of the available research shows one key finding that supports this pattern [1]. We looked at evidence from one assertion, which reported that older adults with both rheumatoid arthritis and obesity followed a diet plan aimed at losing 7% of their body weight 94% of the time when they received remote guidance [1]. This level of adherence was notably higher than their adherence to exercise routines, including cardio and strength training. The data we’ve reviewed highlight a clear difference in consistency between following diet recommendations and maintaining prescribed physical activity. While this is based on a single assertion, the strength of the support—41.0 studies or data points backing it, with none contradicting it—suggests a meaningful trend in the available evidence [1]. However, we don’t have enough information to determine why this difference exists. It could be due to physical limitations from arthritis, the remote support format working better for dietary coaching, or other personal or logistical factors. Our current analysis does not allow us to make broad conclusions, and we can’t say whether this pattern holds across different settings or support methods. Still, what we’ve seen so far points to diet goals being more consistently followed than exercise goals in this group. Practical takeaway: For older adults with rheumatoid arthritis and obesity, sticking with a weight-loss diet—especially with remote support—might be more manageable than keeping up with exercise plans. This doesn’t mean exercise isn’t important, but it may be harder to maintain.