"weight loss is the major recommended intervention for improving biomechanics and reducing risk of joint injury, OA [osteoarthritis], and disability in obesity."

Potential contributions of skeletal muscle contractile dysfunction to altered biomechanics in obesity

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The paper The association between body fat and musculoskeletal pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis says there are strong positive "associations between increased body fat and widespread and single-site joint pain in the low-back, knee and foot" and "elevated body fat may infer increased risk of incident and worsening joint pain." 

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The book Modern Science of Biomechanics & Weight Gain and Weight Loss by Luke Tunyich, explains, "The only weight loss that can be called “healthy weight loss” is the loss of excessive body weight induced by positive musculoskeletal changes and improvement in walking and running gait."

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Body Composition

 

Recent research emphasizes the importance of body composition, especially muscle mass, in the musculoskeletal care of spine disease. As we age, both men and women lose lean muscle mass and this is called sarcopenia. 

 

Preserving and increasing lean muscle mass is critical for healthy aging and quality of life whether or not someone wants to "lose weight." Sarcopenia by definition is a loss of strength, muscle mass, and physical performance and is associated with an increased risk of spinal fracture and knee arthritis.

 

Research shows that as percent body fat goes up, spinal mechanics change putting more stress on both the bones and joints.