Obesity and pain: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Integrative biology and behavioral science
• Obesity and pain research

Background:

• Obesity and pain are complex phenomena with intricate biological and behavioral interrelationships.
• A systematic review was conducted to identify research gaps and future directions in this field.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review literature on obesity and pain published in the 10 years preceding June 2019.
• To identify gaps in current understanding and highlight targets for future transdisciplinary research.

Main Methods:

• Searched PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane databases for studies on obesity and pain.
• Included studies focusing on the relationship between pain and diet quality.
• Included 70 studies, primarily human, with some animal studies for biological insights.

Main Results:

• Identified mechanisms of obesity-related pain, including mechanical, behavioral, and physiological factors.
• Highlighted potential contributors such as gender, body fat distribution, and dietary factors.
• Emphasized the need for accurate, objective measurement in obesity and pain research.

Conclusions:

• Obesity-related pain involves complex biological and behavioral mechanisms.
• Accurate and reliable objective measurement is crucial for advancing research.
• Future studies should integrate biological and behavioral factors in well-controlled prospective designs.