How Obesity Causes Pain

How Obesity Causes Pain
Mark G. Sobor, MD

The U.S. Center for Disease Control has declared that obesity is an epidemic. One in three Americans are obese, twice as many as in the 1970’s. Soon, being overweight will surpass smoking as the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. The accelerating increase in obesity among children is also alarming. It is attributed to less activity and more sedentary behavior (computer and video games, TV) and eating more high-calorie snack and fast foods. Ironically, the world now has almost as many over-nourished as under-nourished people.

Photo compliments of Theresa Gould. Copyright©2009 by Theresa Gould.

Obesity is the primary factor in nearly all preventable diseases, including:

. High blood pressure
. Atherosclerosis
. Stroke
. Diabetes, type 2
. Endometrial, breast and colorectal cancer
. Bone and joint disorders, herniated disks and knee problems
. Chronic back pain
. Varicose veins
. Osteoarthritis
. Osteoporosis
. And many more

In addition, obesity can lead to psychological conditions:

. Anxiety
. Chronic depression
. Poor self image, reclusiveness

These physical and psychological problems result in pain. It appears that obesity may actually increase our sensitivity to pain. There is a relationship between obesity and self reported pain: the more obese you are, the more pain you have.

How can those who are obese reduce their pain? Unfortunately, there are no easy or revolutionary answers. Aside from using prescription pain medication, the three most effective ways of reducing pain resulting from obesity are:

1. Weight loss
2. Exercise
3. Massage

Photo compliments of Theresa Gould. Copyright©2009 by Theresa Gould.

It’s a simple case of “energy balance”. If you consume more calories than you burn through exercise and other activities, you will gain weight. Over 25% of the American population is classified as “completely sedentary”, not engaging in any physical activity on a daily basis. As a nation, we are consuming more processed carbohydrates and sugars, resulting in higher calorie intake. The consumption of an extra 300 calories a day-whether from fruit or a soda-will result in weight gain. Americans are eating more vegetables than in past decades, but they are iceberg lettuce, french fries and potato chips-not fiber and nutrient rich choices like carrots or
broccoli.

As obesity rates continue to climb worldwide, the pain and diseases associated with obesity will become the world’s responsibility. It is in our communal best interest to alter eating habits and advocate for the increase of daily activity among people of all ages. Only then will we take the first step in becoming a healthier, pain free society.

Doctor Information

ChicagoHealers.com Practitioner Dr. Mark Sobor, MD specializes in pain management for patients through massage therapy, acupuncture and homeopathy. Both physical and psychological problems result in pain as described above. There is a direct relationship between obesity and self reported pain: the more obese you are the more pain you have.