Correlation Between Body Mass Index And Clinical Parameters In Fibromyalgia Syndrome

To investigate the correlation of body mass index (BMI) with clinical parameters in women with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Under the criteria of 1990 American Council of Rheumatology, 162 women diagnosed with FMS were included. In each patient, duration of complaints, level of education, pain severity via Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), tender point counts (TPC), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) and BMI (kg/ m²) were measured. Patients were grouped as normal (BMI<25), overweight (BMI=25-29.9) and obese (BMI≥30), and clinical parameters of FMS were compared between groups. Via Spearman’s ranked correlation coefficient, the association between BMI and FMS was investigated. Fifty-two patients (34.4%) was present in group with BMI<25, 70 (44.8%) in group with BMI=25-29.9 and 40 (%24.7) in group with BMI≥30. While a statistically significant difference was present as to TPC and FIQ between groups, no significant association was found as to age, duration of complaints, VAS and BDI scores. In the analysis, a positive correlation between BMI, and TPC, FIQ scores, duration of complaints and age, and a negative correlation between BMI and level of education were determined. Our findings indicate FIQ and TPC are strongly correlated with BMI, and higher rate of BMI seems to increase the severity of FMS. So, it is considered that weight control may positively impact physical functions and course of the condition.