Obesity, Exercise & Fibromyalgia

Women who are obese (BMI of 30 or larger) have a 60 to 70 percent higher risk of developing fibromyalgia, compared to women who are not obese.

A 2010 study observes  that women who are have a body-mass-index (BMI) of 30 or greater, which is considered obese have a 60-70%  greater risk of experiencing fibromyalgia than those women who are not obese, and especially among those women who also get plenty of physical exercise.

Fibromyalgia syndrome is marked by a dull aching pain and tenderness in the muscles and soft tissue, and is characterized by persistent fatigue.   Memory problems, disturbed, and irritable bowel syndrome are included amongst other common symptoms.

Researchers: Paul J. Mork, et al, Norweigian University of Science & Technology

Published: Association between physical exercise, body mass index, and risk of fibromyalgia: Longitudinal data from the Norwegian Nord-Trøndelag Health Study, Arthritis Care and Research 2010; 62:5,  611 – 617.