Abstract:
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complex disorder affecting multiple body systems. The most commonly used definition of CFS is 6 or more months of fatigue and the presence of at least four of eight minor symptoms. In addition, many health and psychological conditions, including severe obesity-body mass index (BMI) of 40 kg/m(2) or greater-exclude individuals from a diagnosis of CFS. Obesity has been correlated with fatigue, sleep problems, and less satisfaction with general health, functioning, and vitality.
The current study investigated weight trends over time in a community-based sample of individuals with CFS and healthy controls. The study further investigated the impact of comorbid weight issues on several health and disability outcomes in a subset of overweight individuals.
Overweight and obese individuals with CFS demonstrated poorer functioning than controls who were similarly weighted. One participant was excluded because she had gained weight at a monitoring visit and her BMI was greater than 40 kg/m(2). The implications of these findings for health care workers are discussed.
Copyright 2013, SLACK Incorporated.
Source: Flores S, Brown A, Adeoye S, Jason LA, Evans M. Examining the impact of obesity on individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome.Workplace Health Saf. 2013 Jul;61(7):299-307. doi: 10.3928/21650799-20130617-12. Epub 2013 Jun 24. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3899694/ (Full article)