Overweight people more apt to have chronic pain and mood disorders

 

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Carol Forsloff - Among the many reasons to avoid being overweight is the fact that people who are heavy are apt to have a higher incidence of persistent pain problems as well as mood disorders.

Both chronic pain and obesity are epidemic in the United States and account for a significant number of doctor visits.  Costs related to obesity are estimated at $118 billion a year, while chronic pain problems are at $70 billion in direct health care as well as lost productivity.

Studies have shown that people who are overweight are more likely to have chronic pain because there is more stress put on the back and joints of the body.

A research team has now completed a study to examine the family history and psychological factors involved in both obesity and chronic pain and found after examining 3,471 twins that pain and weight are impacted by mood disorders and a sedentary lifestyle.  

Depression is a major factor in obesity as is a sedentary lifestyle and can influence the transition from acute to chronic pain.