Mixed
Weight loss, achieved through either bariatric surgery or behavioral diet/exercise programs, significantly reduces chronic pain intensity and disability in obese individuals.
If you are obese and have chronic pain, losing weight is one of the most effective ways to reduce your pain. This can be done through surgery or diet/exercise programs. While surgery often leads to greater pain relief, behavioral programs also help. The hardest part is keeping the weight off, so focus on building sustainable habits for eating and moving.
In general, losing weight, either via surgical intervention or via behavioral intervention (ie, diet and exercise), appears to be beneficial for pain and associated QOL.
Why this rating
The paper cites multiple longitudinal studies, case series, and randomized trials showing consistent pain reduction post-weight loss, though long-term maintenance data is mixed.
Source
The association between chronic pain and obesity
Akiko Okifuji et al. · Journal of Pain Research · 2015
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