According to the new research in the May issue of Arthritis Care and Research, exercise and weight control could keep fibromyalgia at bay. Especially among inactive women, the news study finds a link between excess weight and the pain disorder.

The researchers concluded that “Being overweight or obese was associated with an increased risk of fibromyalgia, especially among women who also reported low levels of leisure time physical exercise”.

Eric Matteson, MD, chair of the department of rheumatology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn, said, “The results of this study underline the connection between exercise, obesity, and well-being. And a person who exercises and is conscious about their weight will have better health and that may include a lower risk of developing fibromyalgia”.

He also added,” This study shows that exercise is helpful even if you are obese. We know that people who already have fibromyalgia and exercise do far better than those people who have the disorder and don't exercise, and this study reinforces the relationship between exercise and fibromyalgia”.

Kyriakos A. Kirou , MD, A rheumatologist at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City , “ People who are obese or overweight develop fibromyalgia more frequently, and those people who are overweight or obese and exercise are a little better off than those who don't exercise at all. The new study reinforces the value of a healthy lifestyle which includes regular exercise, keeping your weight down, and eating healthy”.