Is Obesity Causing Your Chronic Pain? A Hidden Burden You Shouldn’t Ignore

If you’ve been waking up sore, feeling stiff during the day, or constantly dealing with backaches and joint pain, you’re not alone and it may be more than just getting older. Obesity is one of the most under-recognized causes of chronic pain.

When your body carries excess weight, it puts extra pressure on your joints especially the knees, hips, ankles, and lower back. For example, for every extra 1 kg of weight you carry, your knees experience about 4 kg of added pressure with every step you take.

Common pain conditions linked to obesity:

1. Osteoarthritis: This happens when the cartilage between joints wears down from overuse and pressure. It causes swelling, stiffness, and pain, especially in weight-bearing joints.

2. Chronic back pain: Belly fat shifts the center of gravity forward, straining the spine.

3. Plantar fasciitis: Pain at the bottom of the feet due to excess weight pressing on the arches.

But physical strain isn’t the only factor. Fat tissue produces inflammatory chemicals that increase pain sensitivity and make healing slower. This is why people with obesity often have longer recovery times from injuries or surgeries.

What can you do?

1. Lose even 5–10% of your weight: This can significantly reduce joint pain.

2. Exercise gently: Swimming, walking, or cycling can help reduce stiffness without causing more harm.

3. Use an electric heating pad: It can offer temporary relief for sore muscles after long periods of sitting or standing.

If your pain is affecting your quality of life, speak to a doctor or physiotherapist. Obesity-related pain isn’t just about discomfort it can limit mobility and lead to depression, social isolation, and even more weight gain.

Break the cycle with small, consistent steps.