Recent studies have connected obesity and prescription opioid use, with back and joint pain believed to be the link between the two conditions. The studies found that living in an environment not conducive to maintaining a healthy weight can lead to chronic pain and opioid use. The research showed a strong association between obesity and long-term opioid use, with overweight and obese individuals more likely to be prescribed opioids. Joint and back pain were the most common diagnoses for patients prescribed opioids, with obesity being a driving factor in the development of chronic pain conditions. Physicians should focus on reducing demand for pain treatments by addressing risk factors such as obesity.
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Obesity Linked to Higher Levels of Chronic Pain, Opioid Scripts
