Obese elderly at risk for chronic pain

Half the people aged 70 and older suffer from some type of chronic pain, with women and the obese being particularly vulnerable. Chronic pain, defined as pain that persists for three months or longer, is known to be common among older people. Obesity is becoming increasingly prevalent and is known to affect pain severity. So studying the relationship between excess weight and chronic pain among older people - as well as the role of conditions that might influence both pain and obesity, such as mental health problems, needs to be studied. Researchers from America studied 840 men and women, 70 years and older. It was found that overall, 52 percent had some type of chronic pain, including 40 percent of men and 59 percent of women. People with chronic pain were at double the risk of having symptoms of depression or anxiety compared to those who were pain-free. Chronic pain was twice as common among obese people as compared to normal-weight individuals, being four times more common among the severely obese. Obese people were more likely to have pain in virtually every part of the body, including the head, neck, or shoulder; back, legs or feet; or abdomen or pelvis than those with normal-weight . Even after the researchers accounted for depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, and diabetes, as well as age, gender and education, the relationship between obesity and chronic pain remained strong. Obesity could contribute to chronic pain by adding stress to the joints. In addition, obesity promotes inflammation, which could be a contributing factor. However, more research is needed to understand whether obesity plays a causal role in chronic pain, and if so what mechanisms might be involved.

DoctorNDTV is the one stop site for all your health needs providing the most credible health information, health news and tips with expert advice on healthy living, diet plans, informative videos etc. You can get the most relevant and accurate info you need about health problems like diabetes, cancer, pregnancy, HIV and AIDS, weight loss and many other lifestyle diseases. We have a panel of over 350 experts who help us develop content by giving their valuable inputs and bringing to us the latest in the world of healthcare.

Was this Article Helpful Yes or No

Web Stories

What Is Motion Sickness. Tips To Prevent It

Summer Foods For Strong Immunity

7 Blood Thinning Foods For Healthy Heart

How To Take Care Of Mental Health?

Benefits Of Aerial Yoga

Tips To Avoid Conjunctivitis

8 Yoga Poses For Kids To Help Increase Height

Must Try Tips To Build Stamina

Lemon: A Multipurpose Starter Pack

Yoga Asanas To Release Negative Thoughts