Abdominal fat linked to widespread, chronic pain
Research we're watching
- Reviewed by Toni Golen, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Women's Health Watch; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing; Contributor
Researchers analyzed data from more than 32,400 participants in the UK Biobank study (average age 55, 51% women) who underwent MRI scans of their abdomen to measure the amount of visceral fat (which surrounds organs) and subcutaneous fat (which lies under the skin). Participants were also asked if they had experienced pain in their neck, shoulder, back, hip, knee, or "all over the body" for more than three months. Imaging scans and pain assessments were repeated about two years later for 638 participants.
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About the Author
Maureen Salamon, Executive Editor, Harvard Women's Health Watch
About the Reviewer
Toni Golen, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Women's Health Watch; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing; Contributor
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