title: Decreased physical activity attributable to higher body mass index influences fibromyalgia symptoms.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although previous studies report associations between increased body mass index (BMI) and fibromyalgia symptoms, there is uncertainty as to whether this relationship is driven by physical factors, psychological factors, or both.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To assess these relationships in a clinical sample of patients with fibromyalgia.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Tertiary care facility.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 686 patients from an existing national fibromyalgia registry.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients completed a demographic form and self-report questionnaires including the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire-Revised (FIQ-R), the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36), the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), and the 30-item Profile of Mood States (30-item POMS).
  
  
  METHODS
  FIQ-R overall impact subscale.
  
  
  RESULTS
  BMI was significantly correlated with fibromyalgia impact (P < .001). The relationship between BMI and fibromyalgia impact was almost fully accounted for by physical factors and not by psychological factors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Despite patient report that pain hinders physical activity, clinicians who encounter patients with fibromyalgia, particularly patients with increased BMI, should be cognizant of the need to invest time and resources to counsel patients on physical factors (ie, physical activity) that could improve the patients' symptom experience.
authors.affiliation: Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Clinic, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55902(∗). Electronic address: vincent.ann@mayo.edu.
authors.forename: Ann
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vincent
authors.affiliation: Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI(†).
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Clauw
authors.affiliation: Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Clinic, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN(‡).
authors.forename: Terry H
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Oh
authors.affiliation: Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Clinic, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN(§).
authors.forename: Mary O
authors.initials: MO
authors.lastname: Whipple
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Luther College, Decorah, IA(¶).
authors.forename: Loren L
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Toussaint
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005356:Fibromyalgia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology