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  • About Arthritis
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    woman holding her wristWhat Is Arthritis?

    Arthritis is not one disease. Learn about the different types of arthritis, how they differ and why it’s important.

    microbesInflammation and the Immune System

    Body-wide inflammation is at the root of most chronic diseases — and you may have more control over it than you think.

    Patient talking with nurseNewly Diagnosed With Arthritis

    A new arthritis diagnosis can be overwhelming. These tips can help.

    • Understanding Arthritis
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    Managing Arthritis Care Costs

    Learn the basics about health care costs and financial tools available to you.

    About Biosimilars

    More of these biologic medications will soon be available. Learn what they are, whether you should consider them and what to ask your doctor.

    Man with head in hands on bedWebinar: Arthritis Fatigue Causes and Solutions

    Learn the various causes of arthritis-related fatigue and strategies to combat weariness.

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    Woman with upset stomachMicrobiome, Gut Health & Arthritis

    Microbiome, microbes, microorganisms – these terms may be confusing, but the types of bacteria living in and on our bodies can impact arthritis. Learn what helps or harms the microbiome and the health of your gut and discover dietary changes that can make a difference. This episode was originally released on January 19, 2021.

    woman consoling anotherArthritis and Mental Health

    Learn about the connection between arthritis, depression and anxiety and how these conditions can make your arthritis worse.

    Woman ExercisingYour Exercise Solution (YES)

    Movement is the best medicine, even when your joints hurt. Your Exercise Solution (YES) is a resource to help you create a physical activity routine with modifications developed and approved by physical therapists.

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    JA Family Summit

    Learn about the National Juvenile Arthritis Conference, a place for families to connect, share and learn.

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    The Arthritis Foundation’s JA camp programs give kids with arthritis and related childhood rheumatic diseases the chance to make lasting memories.

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    • About Juvenile Arthritis
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    Transforming Clinical Interactions

    The Live Yes! Arthritis community connects patients with others online and in-person for support and education, and encourages patients to play an active role in their health care.

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    The Arthritis Foundation recently launched an initiative to build stronger relationships and increase recognition of our most engaged practices. 

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    See how we're aiming to address the growing shortage of arthritis specialists, especially in under-served parts of the country.

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    OACS Forum Series

    The Osteoarthritis Clinical Studies Forum Series features OA thought leaders from across the globe discussing the future of how the disease can be treated to improve patient outcomes.

    man bandaging boy's kneeConquering Childhood Arthritis

    The Arthritis Foundation is mobilizing patients and their families to engage in studies comparing the effectiveness of treatments for juvenile arthritis and funding research for more options.

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    Capital hillAction Center

    Take action today - use the resources here to learn who your elected officials are, what opportunities we have to advocate from the comfort of your own home, federal and state legislation, and more!

    woman listening to podcastLive Yes! With Arthritis Podcast

    You may have arthritis, but it doesn't have you. The Arthritis Foundation’s one-of-a-kind podcast. Hosted by patients, for patients.

    Walk to cure arthritisWalk To Cure Arthritis

    Join the movement and make an impact by honoring those who rock your world at the Arthritis Foundation’s signature walk event, Walk to Cure Arthritis. Register as an individual or form a team and Rock the Walk in your community!

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Back

How Fat Affects Fibromyalgia

Excess weight leads to more pain and fatigue and lower quality of life. 

Fibromyalgia hurts more when you’re overweight. Having too much body fat and too little muscle also increases fatigue and worsens many other symptoms. Studies show that losing weight and exercising help dial down the pain while improving daily function. 

What Studies Show

There is solid evidence that people with fibromyalgia who are overweight or obese aren’t as physically strong or flexible, have more sleep problems, experience greater anxiety and depression, and endure a lower quality of life than healthy-weight people with the condition.

“Research shows obesity increases symptom severity and pain sensitivity in almost all chronic pain conditions, including fibromyalgia,” says psychologist Akiko Okifjui, PhD, a researcher in the Pain Management Center at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.

The more you weigh, the worse you feel, according to a study published in 2018 in PeerJ that separated people with fibromyalgia into three groups--normal weight, overweight and obese--and compared their symptoms. 
The more people weighed, the more their pain, depression and number of tender points increased. Those with the highest bodyweights also reported the most impact of fibromyalgia on their physical function and well-being. 
A 2018 Archives of Rheumatology study echoed these findings. Its investigators looked at both total weight and body composition in normal-weight, overweight and obese people with fibromyalgia. 

The higher people’s weight, fat mass and body fat percentage, the more general and widespread pain they had. Higher weights and fat mass were also linked to more severe fibromyalgia.  

How Fat Causes Pain

Overloaded joints explain part of the pain–fibromyalgia connection, says Okifuji. “The higher your weight, the more it loads and puts strain and pressure on your joints, particularly in the lower parts of your body,” she says.

In addition, cells in fat tissue are chemically active and release several proteins and other chemicals that increase body-wide inflammation, says Okifuji. The more body fat you have, the higher your inflammatory load. 

“Researchers are starting to equate obesity with a generalized state of constant low-grade inflammation that probably plays a role in increasing pain levels and sensitivity,” she says. 

Exercise, Weight Loss Improve Symptoms

The more physical activity people with fibromyalgia get, the better they feel. 
 
In a 2018 study published in Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation women with fibromyalgia who reported doing the most physical activity had the lowest levels of pain, fatigue and disease activity. Getting any physical activity improved symptoms compared with being couch-bound, but the more time people spent working out, the fewer symptoms they had. 
 
Researchers recorded the biggest benefits in those who did moderate to vigorous physical activity, such as walking at a brisk pace, for at least 150 minutes per week. Some people split that time into short workouts of about 10 minutes each, while other exercised for longer bouts. The longer people spent in each exercise session, the less pain they reported. 
 
Four weeks of regular core-stabilizing exercises plus a vegetarian diet reduced pain in women with fibromyalgia more than the diet alone or no intervention, according to a 2018 study published in Nutrición Hospitalaria. The researchers reported that improvements were likely due to improved core strength and body composition (less fat, more muscle).  
 
Weight loss also takes some of the pain out of fibromyalgia. 
 
Losing about three body mass index points (BMI) reduced fibromyalgia symptoms in a research study published in Clinical Rheumatology. It compared individuals with fibromyalgia who dropped at least three body mass index points (enough to move most from the obese to overweight category) with their counterparts whose weight remained the same. Weight losers had less pain, depression and trouble sleeping, as well as lower markers of body-wide inflammation.
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Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia causes pain, tenderness, fatigue, sleep problems, and other health conditions.
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How Stress Affects Arthritis

Fibromyalgia

How Stress Affects Arthritis
Having a chronic disease like arthritis affects many aspects of daily living and can cause stress. Learn coping strategies dealing with stress.
Read More
How Arthritis Affects the Family

Fibromyalgia

How Arthritis Affects the Family
Being understood by and understanding your loved ones are key to fortifying family relationships.
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Honor a loved one with a meaningful donation to the Arthritis Foundation. We'll send a handwritten card to the honoree or their family notifying them of your thoughtful gift.

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The Arthritis Foundation is focused on finding a cure and championing the fight against arthritis with life-changing information, advocacy, science and community. We can only achieve these goals with your help. Strong, outspoken and engaged volunteers will help us conquer arthritis. By getting involved, you become a leader in our organization and help make a difference in the lives of millions. Join us and become a Champion of Yes.

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Meet Our Partners

As a partner, you will help the Arthritis Foundation provide life-changing resources, science, advocacy and community connections for people with arthritis, the nations leading cause of disability. Join us today and help lead the way as a Champion of Yes.

Trailblazer

Our Trailblazers are committed partners ready to lead the way, take action and fight for everyday victories. They contribute $2,000,000 to $2,749,000

Visionary

Our Visionary partners help us plan for a future that includes a cure for arthritis. These inspired and inventive champions have contributed $1,500,00 to $1,999,999.

Pioneer

Our Pioneers are always ready to explore and find new weapons in the fight against arthritis. They contribute $1,000,000 to $1,499,999.

Pacesetter

Our Pacesetters ensure that we can chart the course for a cure for those who live with arthritis. They contribute $500,000 to $999,000.

Signature

Our Signature partners make their mark by helping us identify new and meaningful resources for people with arthritis. They contribute $250,000 to $499,999.

Supporting

Our Supporting partners are active champions who provide encouragement and assistance to the arthritis community. They contribute $100,000 to $249,999.

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