Association Between Fat Distribution and Low Back Pain: Results From The Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Abstract

Obesity is associated with chronic low back pain (CLBP), but the association between fat distribution and CLBP is currently unclear. We designed a cross-sectional study to evaluate the relationship between the two, including 10,606 people who participated in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We estimated the regional fat distribution as well as waist circumference and body fat proportion, and compared the values in people with and without CLBP. We also stratified the estimates by sex and obesity status. The average waist circumference was not significantly different between the CLBP (80.8 cm) and non-CLBP groups (80.7 cm, p = 0.606). There were no statistically significant differences in the average fat proportion between the CLBP (26.5%) and non-CLBP groups (26.6%, p = 0.631). The average regional fat distribution in the lower limbs was significantly higher in the CLBP (31.9%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [31.6, 32.2]) than in the CLBP groups (31.4%, 95% CI: [31.2, 31.6], p < 0.001); this pattern was more obvious in men with obesity. People, particularly men, with CLBP and obesity tend to have a higher fat mass distribution in the lower limbs than those without CLBP, suggesting that fat reductions in the lower body may aid in CLBP management.