Are obesity and body fat distribution associated with low back pain in women? A population-based study of 1128 Spanish twins

摘要: Purpose To investigate the relationship between different measures of obesity and chronic low back pain (LBP) using a within-pair twin case–control design that adjusts for genetics early shared environment. Methods A cross-sectional association lifetime prevalence LBP (body mass index-BMI; percent body fat; waist circumference; waist–hip ratio) was investigated in 1128 female twins three stages: (i) total sample analysis; (ii) analysis monozygotic (MZ) dizygotic (DZ) together; (iii) case– control separated by DZ MZ. Odds ratios (OR) 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Results BMI (OR 1.12; CI 1.02–1.26) fat 1.15; 1.01–1.32) weakly associated with but absent when environment genetic factors adjusted analysis. Greater smaller estimates both MZ 0.67; 0.47–0.94). However, this did not remain after full adjustment Conclusions BMI, greater depositions around hips are increases women these associations small appear to be confounded effects Therefore, our results do support causal direct LBP.