OBJECTIVES: The incremental impact of overweight/obesity on the chronic disease burden and health–related quality of life (HRQOL) among individuals with arthritis is not fully understood.  This study aimed to determine the additional influence of overweight/obesity on arthritis–attributable burden (joint limitation, work limitation, social activity limitation, and joint pain) and HRQOL (general health status, physical HRQOL, mental HRQOL, activity limitations) among a representative national sample of adults with arthritis in the United States (US).   METHODS: This study involved a cross–sectional, retrospective analyses of the 2013 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data.  The study sample included adults (≥18 years) with arthritis and related disorders.  Based on their body mass index (BMI), participants were categorized into six groups: underweight, normal weight, overweight, and class I/II/III obese.  Multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to assess the study objectives.  Data analyses were conducted using SASv9.3 (PROC SURVEY) procedures. RESULTS: The study sample included 157,113 adults with arthritis, of which 138,707 (88.2%) were also overweight/obese.  Class III obese adults with arthritis had higher odds of joint limitations (Odds ratio [OR] = 1.439), work limitations (OR = 1.144), social activity limitations (OR = 1.368), and joint pain (OR = 1.099) compared to normal weight adults.  Class III obese adults also had greater odds of poor physical HRQOL (OR = 1.141), mental HRQOL (OR = 1.273), and activity limitations (OR = 1.233) in comparison to adults with normal weight.  A similar pattern was observed when overweight/class I/II obese adults with arthritis were compared to normal weight adults with arthritis. CONCLUSIONS: Study results highlight a significant negative impact of overweight/obesity on arthritis–attributable burden and HRQOL among individuals with arthritis.  Weight management is critical towards improving HRQOL and alleviating the burden of arthritis.  Providers should emphasize weight management during their interaction with adults with arthritis.