Objective: to evaluate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and features of the fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS).
Methods: 211 female patients with FMS seen consecutively in our rheumatology clinic were analyzed. Spearman correlation was used. Further, FMS features were compared at different levels of BMI (kg/m2), e.g., < 25.00 vs > or = 25.00 (normal vs overweight). P value of < or = 0.01 was accepted as significant.
Results: A significant positive correlation was found between BMI and age (p<0.001) and a negative correlation between BMI and education (p<0.009). Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) score was significantly correlated with BMI (p<0.001), whereas fatigue and number of tender points (TP) showed a trend (p=0.035 and 0.037, respectively).
Conclusion: The HAQ score is significantly associated with BMI in FMS with a trend towards significance for fatigue and TP. Weight loss may improve physical functioning in this disorder.