Would a large weight loss help or cure severe knee or hip pain?

No. Usually the pain is caused by damage that has been done already. A loss of a significant amount of weight can help slow the damage, and not put so much strain on already damaged weight-bearing joints, but certainly won’t cure them.
This was told to me by an orthopedic specialist.

If the people you mention are quite young, there is, of course, a chance of some healing.

TY. No; the woman is 74 and the man is 79.

not likely.

There are many potential causes for joint pain. Weight loss may help some people in some circumstances, but it’s certainly not a magic cure. Loosing weight and keeping it off when a person is young may prevent damage from occurring over time in the future and I think all doctors would agree that maintaining a healthy weight is always the best strategy for long-term health. Disclaimer: I am not an MD and I didn’t sleep in a Holiday in Express either.

At their age, it’s probably worn out joints. I’m just a little it younger & when one of my knees was hurting & I did lose only 5 pounds, I did notice a lessening of my pain. IF their doctor hasn’t recommended weight loss, then probably no help for either!!! The going thing here with the doctors are hip & knee replacements. I’ve not had either (so far); but friends who have swear by them!!!

I started having hip and elbow pain. I increased my vitamin D level and it has subsided. I don’t know for sure if it was cause andceffect or not, but I think it’s worth getting the blood test if they haven’t already.

It can help alleviate some pain yes, as I did that by losing 84 lbs and took up hiking trails.
Movement such as walking , hiking ,swimming helps the joints.
I could not use a normal bike as I injured my back years ago , but with these new Fat bikes or spring suspension bikes it helps alleviate impact to the back.
Sometimes the injury is Arthritis and if so the can use pain patches that stick on like bandages and deliver med for pain and or heat on those areas while active etc.
I became a better healthy person after losing 84 lbs ( 8 months on Slimfast twice a day).
I hiked up mountains, hills, roads, and photographed all along the way. It became a pleasant hobby that I still do three years later.
I hurt my knee in an injury ( tendon) that took almost two years to heal enough so that Now I again am on diet ( SF) to lose that weight from inactivity and long winters. I feel much better from losing weight ( down one size already in one month) and continue to work on that goal.
My back feels better as no undue pressure is pressing on it anymore, I feel lighter.
So weight loss does help, but only IF that person really wants to go that route.
It does not work to have others pressure one to lose weight. Its a complete lifestyle change to eliminate bad habits and bad choices in foods/snacks.
Drinking alcohol does more damage to our cells and causes weight gain as well.
Some people are there own worst enemy by sabotaging their health.
Good luck to those people in striving to be better and healthy.

Well, that would depend on what is causing the pain.

No guarantee of either. HOWEVER, it stands to reason that weight loss might ease up the joint discomfort. And, of course, it depends on the cause.

I didn’t answer your specific question about weight. I think it can help to lose weight. I don’t think it had much impact on my pain, but it certainly can’t hurt to try.

Yes. It’s clear logic. The less weight that a joint has to bare, the less strain.

Weight/fat loss, will be helpful in almost every situation…