Weight loss is commonly recommended as a treatment for back pain. However, there is little literature to support this. A recent systematic review has identified only studies relating to bariatric surgery. There are no other studies that address whether weight loss improves back pain.

Forty-five consecutive consenting patients were recruited following enrolment in a tertiary multidisciplinary weight management program. These patients were referred primarily for treatment of obesity. The program consisted of consultation and on-going supervision by a sub-specialty weight management physician, and group and individual sessions addressing diet, exercise and behaviour modification. Patients were assessed by independent observers prior to start of program and at twelve weeks into the program with standardised and validated outcomes tools measuring baseline factors, back pain and related functional disability at twelve weeks follow-up.

Prior to starting the program, forty-two patients (93%) reported some degree of low back pain of which 40% rated their pain as moderate (n = 12) or severe (n = 6). Using the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Index, 73% patients reported moderate (n = 18) or severe disability (n = 15). At twelve weeks, thirty-seven (82%) patients were available for assessment. There were significant improvement in VAS pain scores (mean change = 1.5, 95% CI: 0.7 to 2.4) and in Oswestry Low Back Disability Index (mean change= 8.6, 95% CI: 3.9 to 13.2). There were significant reductions in the prevalence of moderate or severe back pain (p = 0.04) and moderate or severe disability (p = 0.007) in the entire group.

This is the first study to provide empirical evidence on the positive effects of a weight loss program on back pain. These results lay the groundwork for longer follow-up and comparative studies.