Obesity and Pain, the Unwelcome Connection

Whether it’s extra weight gained from holiday eating or excess weight you’ve carried for years, the new year is the perfect time to lose it.

I’ve written before about reasons to maintain a healthy weight at Why Obesity matters. Multiple health conditions including diabetes, heart disease, even cancer can stem from excess weight.

But here’s another reason to shed those excess pounds or kilos- pain.

Obesity increases the risk of chronic pain especially back pain , and weight loss leads to significant decrease in pain, sometimes more effectively than medications and surgery.

Pain management specialists discussed the relationship of obesity and back pain at the American Academy of Pain Medicine annual meeting. Medical research studies conducted at the Mayo Clinic linked obesity to back pain. Other studies implicated obesity in cases of arm, knee, hip and back pain in adolescents as well as elderly people.

A study from Norway of 64000 people showedpeople with a BMI greater than 30were more likely to develop low back painthan those with a BMI under 25.

Body mass index chart — A BMI OF 30 or more represents obesity. BMI Chart created by Vertex42.com. Used with permission.

An Australian study showed that both obesity and smoking are related to back pain.

No Smoking sign with pumpkins — sign posted at a produce market in rural Georgia

Here is a recap of this blog’s obesity related information

How achieving emotional healing can lead to weight loss

How a woman kicked her addiction to junk food and now helps others to do the same

Comparing different weight loss programs

How attitudes affect weight loss efforts

Exploring the HEART of Health

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Dr. Aletha

Author: Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.

As a family physician, I explore the HEART of HEALTH in my work, recreation, community, and through writing. My blog, Watercress Words, informs and inspires us to live in health. I believe we can turn our health challenges into healthy opportunities. When we do, we can share the HEART of health with our families, communities, and the world. Come explore and share with me. View all posts by Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.