The Role of Anxiety Sensitivity in Terms of Weight-Related Impairment and Fatigue Severity Among Adults with Obesity and Chronic Low Back Pain

Background: Obesity and chronic low back pain often co-occur and are associated with psychosocial and physical impairments such as weight-related impairment and fatigue. Yet, there is little understanding of psychological factors that may be associated with weight-related impairment and fatigue (a psychosocial factor) among this vulnerable population. Methods: Thus, the current study examined the role of anxiety sensitivity as it relates to self-reported weight-related impairment and fatigue severity among persons with obesity and chronic low back pain. Participants included a nationally representative sample of adults (N = 616) with co-occurring obesity and chronic low back pain (77.3% female, M_age = 45.9 years, SD = 11.53). Results: Results revealed that anxiety sensitivity was associated with greater levels of weight-related impairment and fatigue severity after controlling for age, sex, body mass index, pain interference, and perceived general health. Conclusions: The findings suggest that anxiety sensitivity may be a mechanistic target for better understanding and addressing weight-related impairment and fatigue severity among individuals with obesity and chronic low back pain.