Increased nonarticular tenderness in obese women

Aims: Various factors have been found to affect nonarticular tenderness. This study examines the relationship between obesity (high BMI) and tenderness. Methods: Tenderness was quantitatively assessed using point count of 18 tender points and by dolorimetry thresholds in 54 obese women (BMI > 25) and 54 age-matched women with normal weight. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed by SF-36 questionnaire. Results: The obese women had significantly more tender points and lower dolorimetry thresholds than the normal weight controls. In addition, the obese women reported significantly lower QoL, on both physical and mental domains. QoL was highly correlated with tenderness. Conclusions: Obese women display increased nonarticular tenderness. Our findings are important to clinicians taking care of obese patients and to researchers in the field of pain and tenderness. Future studies are needed to confirm our results.