to evaluate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and features of the fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS).
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.
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).
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.