What to Know About Obesity-Induced Chronic Pain
Most of us realize that obesity is an ongoing issue in all areas of the country. Those who are considered obese are usually the first to know that things hurt more by having extra weight on them. Whether they have attributed it to the excess weight or not, many realize that their joints hurt more, as does their back, feet, etc. There has been a surge in the number of research articles published on the topic, and it’s helping to shed some light on the sensitive topic.
In the February 2025 issue of the journal IBRO Neuroscience Reports, researchers share their findings after conducting a comprehensive analysis (1). They searched through 20 years of published studies to find those related to obesity-induced or obesity-related chronic pain. Their search found 347 papers that fit the criteria they were looking for. They report that the information reveals a surge in the number of articles published on the topic in the last two decades.
Their report shared information about the articles they found with the most citations. They noted that the research article reported a significant correlation between obesity and pain but that the connection is indirect. Instead, the indirect connection is moderated by structural and biomechanical alterations linked to obesity. These include inflammatory agents, sleep disturbances, mood disorders, and lifestyles.
According to prior research published in the Journal of Pain Research on the association between chronic pain and obesity, evidence strongly suggests that comorbid obesity is common in chronic pain conditions (2). They point out that the association between joint pain and obesity is well documented and that weight gain may occur as a result of chronic pain. Their report advises that weight loss for obese pain patients is an important aspect of overall pain rehabilitation. They conclude that losing weight through surgery or behavior interventions appears to be beneficial for pain associated with quality of life.
Those who are overweight or obese and are experiencing chronic pain may want to speak to their doctor about a program to shed some pounds. In doing so, they may help reduce some of their chronic pain and improve their quality of life. Today, numerous programs are available to help people with their weight loss and healthy living goals, with programs that meet in groups, online, or offer options that people can do on their own. There is an approach that will likely be appealing to everyone.
Sources:
IBRO Neuroscience Reports. Research trends and hot spots in obesity-induced pain: A bibliometric analysis of the last 20 years. February 2025. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40034545/
Journal of Pain Research. The association between chronic pain and obesity. July 2015. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4508090/
