Physical activity mediates the relationship between weight status and pain impacting daily activities

Abstract

Individuals who have chronic pain experience reductions in physical activity (PA), quality of life, and physical capabilities, creating a debilitating cycle where decreased PA and increased weight exacerbate pain. This study aimed to examine associations between weight status, PA, and time spent in pain using a nationally representative sample, accounting for demographic factors. Using data from the 2011–2012 NHANES cycle, a comparison of pain groups with weight status and PA (total and type) and a mediation analysis using PA (total and type) as a mediator between weight status and time spent in pain were conducted. Total PA groups differed in pain levels with those engaging in vigorous activity having the lowest prevalence in the "pain always" category (5.4%), and those with obesity had a higher prevalence of “pain always” (49.6%) compared to those with normal weight (19.5%) and those with overweight (30.9%). Total PA mediated the relationship between people with obesity and the amount of time spent in pain (effect:1.141; CI:0.456–1.837), that is, compared to those who have normal weight, those who have obesity were less likely to meet the total PA guideline, and subsequently likely to spend more days in pain. Breaking down PA by types, travel PA (effect:0.071; CI:0.024–0.152), moderate recreational PA (effect:0.041; CI:0.018–0.079), and vigorous recreational PA (effect:0.135; CI:0.035–0.279) significantly mediated the relationships between people with obesity and days spent in pain. Findings suggest that vigorous PA is linked to lower pain prevalence. Additionally, PA significantly mediates the relationship between people with obesity and days spent in pain. While people with overweight alone was not associated with the number of days spent in pain, engaging in vigorous recreational activities was linked to reductions in days spent in pain for individuals with overweight, highlighting the importance of staying active to manage pain.