The Complex Interplay Between Weight Chronic Pain and Mood: HowTeam-Based Care and Personalized Approaches Can Improve Function and Quality ofLife

摘要

Patients presenting with a desire to lose weight often have underlying factorsthat complicate recommendations regarding diet and exercise. In this woman’sstory, a significant physical injury resulted in chronic pain and a loss in herability to participate in activities she had previously enjoyed and which playeda role in her self-identity. While her previous history of a mood disorder mayhave increased her risk of developing chronic pain, the impact her injury had onher sense of self was also a likely factor. A multidisciplinary approach thataddressed her sense of loss; incorporated innovative adaptations that enabledher to exercise outdoors and led to a renewed sense of hope; helped her findcreative outlets and increase her sense of self efficacy; and improve thequality of sleep was instrumental in supporting her ability to incorporatedietary change, lose weight, and improve her mood and well-being. Thebiopsychosocial model of pain provides a framework of understanding for thecomplex interplay between mood, pain, and social support, which in turn canimpact weight and ability to incorporate lifestyle change. Addressing theseunderlying factors is a critical part of whole person health.