Abdominal fat linked to widespread, chronic pain
Research we're watching
- Reviewed by Toni Golen, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Women's Health Watch; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing; Contributor
Excess abdominal fat is associated with widespread, chronic pain, especially in women, according to a study published Sept. 10, 2024, by Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine.
Researchers analyzed data from more than 32,400 participants in the UK Biobank study (average age 55, 51% women) who underwent MRI scans of their abdomen to measure the amount of visceral fat (which surrounds organs) and subcutaneous fat (which lies under the skin). Participants were also asked if they had experienced pain in their neck, shoulder, back, hip, knee, or "all over the body" for more than three months. Imaging scans and pain assessments were repeated about two years later for 638 participants.
The more visceral and subcutaneous fat participants had, the more likely they were to experience chronic pain in multiple body areas, the researchers found. The association was significantly stronger in women, possibly due to sex differences in hormones and fat distribution, study authors said. The link between higher levels of abdominal fat and chronic pain remained after adjusting for factors such as height, age, ethnicity, alcohol intake, smoking, and physical activity.
Image: © Westend61 /Getty Images
About the Author
Maureen Salamon, Executive Editor, Harvard Women's Health Watch
About the Reviewer
Toni Golen, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Women's Health Watch; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing; Contributor
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
