The association between chronic pain and obesity
Akiko Okifuji1, Bradford D Hare1
1Pain Research and Management Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
Journal of Pain Research
|July 24, 2015
Summary
Obesity and chronic pain frequently coexist, impacting public health. Weight loss interventions show promise for pain management in obese individuals, though long-term strategies require further research.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pain Medicine
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Obesity and chronic pain are significant public health issues.
- Comorbid obesity is prevalent in chronic pain patients, and pain is common in obese individuals.
- Existing evidence suggests a bidirectional relationship between obesity and pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the association between obesity and pain.
- To explore potential mechanisms linking obesity and pain.
- To discuss the clinical implications of weight loss on pain.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on obesity and pain in general and chronic pain populations.
- Review of animal and human studies on obesity and pain response.
- Synthesis of research on potential linking mechanisms and clinical implications.
Main Results:
- Obesity and pain are significant comorbidities that negatively influence each other.
- The relationship is complex, likely involving multiple interacting factors.
- Weight loss, through surgical or noninvasive methods, can positively impact pain.
Conclusions:
- Obesity and pain are intertwined conditions with significant public health implications.
- Multiple factors, including mechanical, chemical, psychological, and lifestyle elements, may mediate the relationship.
- Weight loss is a crucial component of pain rehabilitation for obese patients, necessitating further research into sustainable strategies.
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