Onset of chronic pain triggered by a lifestyle-change-based weight loss and exercise regimen

Exercise and weight loss are commonly recommended to patients with chronic pain; these interventions can relieve extra stress on the joints, reduce the perception of pain and combat comorbidities such as obesity, anxiety and depression. However, exercise can also exacerbate existing pain, presenting challenges for adherence to exercise and weight loss regimens. Here, we summarise the unique case of a patient who presented with chronic pain that developed during a natural weight loss regimen. The patient sought assessment due to diffuse pain that commenced after significant weight loss and was exacerbated with continued adherence to lifestyle modifications. He received a diagnosis of fibromyalgia and is currently being treated with nerve blocks and local anaesthetic injections of trigger points. This case of onset of fibromyalgia and chronic pain following lifestyle changes and weight loss underscores the need for further research aiming to understand the complex relationship between exercise, weight loss and chronic pain.