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No Interaction Between Physical Activity and Body Mass Index on Chronic Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study
Julie Mundt1,2, Jeanette Reffstrup Christensen3,4,5, Kirstine Skov Benthien6,7
1Center for Clinical Research and Prevention, Copenhagen University Hospital-Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Frederiksberg, Denmark.
Background:
Chronic pain is a widespread condition with significant individual and societal impact. Overweight has been associated with a higher risk of chronic pain, whereas physical activity may act as a protective factor. The aim of this study was to investigate whether physical activity and BMI interact in their association with chronic pain, and whether this interaction differs across age groups.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study used data from the 2021 Danish Capital Region Health Survey, comprising 56,245 participants aged 16 years or older. After excluding participants with missing data, 49,879 participants were included in the analyses. Information on chronic pain, BMI, and physical activity was self-reported. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analyses, weighted for sampling procedures and non-response, were conducted.
Results:
Of the total study population, 33.8% reported chronic pain. The combination of obesity and sedentary behaviour was associated with the highest odds of chronic pain compared with participants of normal weight and low physical activity. Overall, both obesity and sedentary behaviour were associated with increased odds of chronic pain across all physical activity and BMI groups, particularly among adults aged 35+ years. However, little to no evidence of a multiplicative interaction between physical activity and BMI was found.
Conclusions:
Both obesity and sedentary behaviour were associated with higher odds of having chronic pain. The associations were stronger among older adults. The results highlight the importance of addressing both obesity and sedentary behaviour in future prevention and management strategies of chronic pain.
Significance Statement:
This large cross-sectional study highlights that both sedentary behaviour and obesity are independently associated with higher odds of chronic pain. Although little to no evidence of an interaction between physical activity and BMI was found, the findings underscore the importance of addressing both factors, particularly among adults aged 35+ years, to inform chronic pain prevention strategies.