The obesity-osteoarthritis nexus: A bibliometric analysis of global research trends and emerging frontiers

• A bibliometric analysis of 4956 publications (2006–2025) reveals steady growth in obesity–osteoarthritis research. • The US, China, and Australia dominate outputs; Hunter DJ and Cicuttini FM are the most influential authors. • Six core themes are identified: inflammation, exercise, prevalence, TKA, body composition, and hyaluronic acid. • Emerging frontiers focus on adipokines, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and Mendelian randomization.