The study, published in the journal Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicineanalysed data from over 32,000 participants in the uk biobank and highlighted The Concerning Role of Abdominal Fat Increasing Chronic Pain Sensitivity.

We asked experts to explain how belly fat can caose pain.

How belly fat contributes to chronic pain

Excess belly fat, particularly VAT, is known to be metabolically active, release inflammatory markers that worsen pain sensitivity and contribute to chronic conditions like fibrosiaalgia. According to Kanikka Malhotra, Consultant Dietician and Diabetes Educator, The Inflammatory Nature of Visceral Fat Exacerbates The Body’s Pain Response. This is especially true in Women, where hormonal factors like estrogen further influence fat distribution and metabolism, making them more prone to the link between abdominal fat and chronic pain.

Dr Suranjit Chatterjee, Senior Consultant in Internal Medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Explains That The Mechanical Stress Caused by Excess Weight Adds To Musculoskele Issue, Particularly in The Lower Back. Joints. This additional strain can aggravate conditions like osteoarthritis and lead to chronic discomfort. Abdominal fat also has a negative impact on insulin resistance and other metabolic disorders, Further Contributing to the development of chronic pain.

Dr Chatterjee advises that management of abdominal fat begins with lifestyle modifications (Source: Freepik)

Beyond Chronic Pain, Excess Abdominal Fat Presents Numerous Health Risks for Both Men and Women. According to Dr Chatterjee, some of the most common problems include:

1. Metabolic Syndrome: A cluster of conditions that elevate the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, primarily driven by visceral fat.
2. Cardiovascular Disease: Belly Fat is closely linked to heart attacks, stroke, and hypertension.
3. Type 2 diabetes: Abdominal Fat Promotes Insulin Resistance, Making the Body Less Effective At Controlling Blood Sugar Levels.
4. Sleep apnoea: Excess abdominal weight is associated with breathing disruptions during sleep, increasing the risk of sleep apnoea.
5. Fatty Liver Disease: VAT contributes to fat accumulation in the life, raising the risk of non-alcoholic fatty live disease.
6. Cancer: The presence of belly fat is linked to a high risk of cancer such as breast, colon, and endometrial cancer.
7. Infertility: Abdominal obesity can impair fertility by disrupting hormonal balance.
8. Reduced Quality of Life: Excess abdominal fat negatively impacts self-seem, body image, and overly well -being.

Managing Abdul Fat and Chronic Pain

Dr Chatterjee advises that management of abdominal fat begins with lifestyle modifications. This inscludes is a Balanced Diet, Regular Physical Activity, and Monitoring Waist Circumference in Addition to BMI. For Individuals Struggling With Chronic Pain Due to Obesity, Referral to Further Interventions Such As Pharmacological Treatment OR Bariatric Surgery May Be Necessdy.

Disclaimer: This article is basically on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.