In view of the obesity epidemic that is currently present in the world, this article aims to demonstrate how inflammation resulting from obesity can generate degenerative processes in the cartilage of the joints of patients with a BMI greater than or equal to 30kg/m². This article aims to demonstrate the correlation between obesity and the development of osteoarthritis. This is a literature review, whose result was 282 works found, of which 5 were selected, and the following exclusion criteria were used: title and abstract that did not understand the theme addressed, research projects and articles from paid platforms. From this, it can be seen that central obesity is associated with the early onset of joint pain intensity in patients with osteoarthritis. Therefore, the control of central obesity and visceral fat should be considered a goal for any preventive and pain management program in patients with osteoarthritis. Finally, it is concluded that there is scientific evidence that suggests obesity as a predisposing factor for the onset of osteoarthritis.