Belly fat in women might be responsible for neck, shoulder and back ache, study finds

Here's something you might not have heard: if you're struggling with persistent muscle or joint pain, trimming down abdominal fat could bring significant relief. A recent study reveals a strong connection between excess belly fat and chronic musculoskeletal pain, particularly in women. This type of discomfort, affecting the bones, muscles, and joints, is often thought to result from ageing or injuries. However, research suggests that abdominal obesity plays a critical role in aggravating these issues.

According to a study published in Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, there's a strong correlation between abdominal obesity and chronic musculoskeletal pain. The research, which analysed data from over 32,000 individuals, found that as belly fat increases, so does the likelihood of developing chronic pain. Interestingly, women were shown to experience this pain almost twice as often as men.

Belly fat, or visceral fat, is the fat stored around vital organs like the pancreas, liver, and intestines. When this fat accumulates, it triggers inflammation throughout the body. This inflammation impacts the nervous system, heightening sensitivity to pain in areas like the neck, shoulders, or lower back. In short, carrying extra abdominal fat increases the risk of experiencing pain across various body parts.

Why are women more prone to pain from belly fat

The study highlights that women are disproportionately affected by this connection between belly fat and chronic pain. The reason? Hormonal fluctuations, particularly after menopause, cause women to store more fat around their abdomen. This added belly fat makes women more vulnerable to the inflammatory effects of obesity, which can worsen chronic pain.

While men also experience abdominal fat accumulation, the hormonal and fat distribution differences between the sexes mean that women are more likely to suffer from pain due to excess belly fat.

By addressing abdominal fat, particularly for women, it’s possible to not only improve your overall health but also reduce the chronic pain that affects daily life. If you’ve been struggling with persistent discomfort, tackling this underlying issue might be the relief you’ve been searching for.