Affiliations: Low Back Biomechanics and Workplace Stress Laboratory,
Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH,
USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Kermit G. Davis, Ph.D., 3223 Eden
Ave, 330 Kettering Lab, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0056, USA. Tel.: +1 513 558 2809;
Fax: +1 513 558 4397; E-mail: Kermit.davis@uc.edu
Abstract: Objective: With the recent trend of increasing obesity in the United
States, more immediate health outcomes such as reduced musculoskeletal pain may
be more effective in encouraging compliance. The study objective was to
investigate the relationship between weight loss and changes in musculoskeletal
pain. Participants: Thirty-five females who recently enrolled into a
weight loss program were enrolled into the study. Methods: The impact of
weight loss on musculoskeletal pain in the short-term was assessed by tracking
pain and weight loss during bi-weekly visits to a weight loss clinic. During a
12-week prospective study, the pain ratings in 9 body regions measured during
the bi-weekly weigh-ins at the clinic. Results: A significant association
was found between weight loss and reduction of pain in the elbow, upper back,
lower back, and hip regions as well as overall pain. Conclusions: The
significant trends between weight loss and corresponding reduction in pain
provide support to weight-loss management providers that may have more
immediate relevance – a quick impact on pain may encourage compliance with
weight loss programs. While the trends for weight and pain are intriguing,
future research will need to indentify the underlying mechanism for the reduced
pain. One potential mechanism may be that a reduction of weight reduces the
biomechanical stress on the load bearing joints, reducing pain responses.
Keywords: Obesity, low back, shoulder, hand and wrist, knee, hip
