This review article deals with an objective role of obesity in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis. The negative impact of being overweight and/or obese not only comes from the excessive mechanical burden on joints. The expansion of adipose tissue, which is nowadays considered an endocrine, metabolically active organ, is associated with an increased production of certain cytokines that disturb cartilage integrity and accelerate the progression of osteoarthritis. Weight reduction and exercise is an effective tool in the tertiary pre-vention of this disease.

        Key words: osteoarthritis, obesity, adipose tissue, adipokines.