The Complex Interplay Between Weight, Chronic Pain, and Mood: How Team-Based Care and Personalized Approaches Can Improve Function and Quality of Life

Patients presenting with a desire to lose weight often have underlying factors that complicate recommendations regarding diet and exercise. In this woman's story, a significant physical injury resulted in chronic pain and a loss in her ability to participate in activities she had previously enjoyed and which played a role in her self-identity. While her previous history of a mood disorder may have increased her risk of developing chronic pain, the impact her injury had on her sense of self was also a likely factor. A multidisciplinary approach that addressed her sense of loss; incorporated innovative adaptations that enabled her to exercise outdoors and led to a renewed sense of hope; helped her find creative outlets and increase her sense of self efficacy; and improve the quality of sleep was instrumental in supporting her ability to incorporate dietary change, lose weight, and improve her mood and well-being. The biopsychosocial model of pain provides a framework of understanding for the complex interplay between mood, pain, and social support, which in turn can impact weight and ability to incorporate lifestyle change. Addressing these underlying factors is a critical part of whole person health.