Mixed
Obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) is associated with a significantly higher risk of developing new musculoskeletal symptoms and a significantly lower rate of recovery from existing symptoms compared to normal weight, with the strongest effects observed in the lower extremities.
If you are overweight or obese, you face a higher risk of developing musculoskeletal pain (especially in knees, hips, and back) and are less likely to recover from it compared to those with a normal weight. This risk exists even if you are physically active. Managing body weight is a key strategy for preventing and recovering from musculoskeletal issues, particularly in the lower body.
Obesity was related to developing musculoskeletal symptoms (OR 1.37, 95% CI: 1.05-1.79) and inversely related to recovery from symptoms (OR 0.76, 95% CI: 0.59-0.97).
Why this rating
Large sample size (n=44,793 cross-sectional, n=7,909 longitudinal), representative population, but relies on self-reported data and cannot prove causality.
Source
The relation between body mass index and musculoskeletal symptoms in the working population
Laura Viester et al. · BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders · 2013
DOI 10.1186/1471-2474-14-238
Related findings · Mixed
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- For patients with Class III obesity (BMI >39.9 kg/m2), metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) is significantly more effective than any currently approved medication, with BilioPancreatic Diversion (BPD) showing the highest estimated weight loss.Strong
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