In order to lose weight and reduce waist circumference, you need to increase your activity and reduce your food intake. In addition to the above, there are other factors like sleep, altered hunger patterns, abnormal hormones, and many more.

A number of people with back pain see an orthopedic or a spinal surgeon. After investigations, they are asked to lose weight. Weight loss relieves back pain but also makes it safer for any spinal surgery.

Why does having back pain interfere with weight loss?

Research findings published in the journal Clinical Spine Surgery show that being overweight or obese is a risk factor for lower back pain in both men and women. Maintaining a healthy body weight may be one of the factors, which prevents the recurrence of back pain.

Excess weight that is carried puts additional strain and pressure on the spine. Thereby predisposing to potential injury to the back. With excess weight in the midsection of the body, the pelvis is pulled forward, which strains the lower back, leading to back pain and other medical problems. Excess weight also leads to unnatural posture leading to back pain.

If you are overweight or obese you are more likely to develop bulging intervertebral disc, disc herniation, compression fracture of lower thoracic/lumbar spine, and arthritis of the spine.

Some of the medications prescribed for pain can also lead to weight gain. Pregabalin (Lyrica) and Gabapentin (Neurontin) are likely to cause weight gain in some individuals.

Reduced mobility can further worsen weight gain. Immobility or the ability to improve activity can lead to weight gain. In addition to the above, back pain interferes with good sleep and thereby leads to weight gain.

How can your clinic help me with weight loss?

If you are experiencing continued back pain you should see your doctor and have appropriate investigations including x-rays and scans. Rarely back pain may be a symptom of a much more serious condition that will need immediate attention.

If you have had all the investigations and no serious problems have been identified and you are troubled with back pain, which is restricting your mobility and preventing you from losing weight, please contact us.

We will work with our specialist team along with a bariatric physiotherapist, who will support you with weight loss and improved mobility.

If you wish to see a specialist discuss the “Weight loss plan for people with Back pain” program, please email us at [email protected] and we will be in touch with you shortly. 

Watch our video on Weight Loss for Back Pain