Objective: Pediatric obesity and chronic pain are each associated with an increased risk for numerous poor physical and mental health outcomes. Co-occurring chronic pain and obesity (CPO) result in greater functional disability compared with either condition alone. The aim of the present study was to use qualitative methods to better understand the challenges experienced by adolescents with CPO, with a specific focus on physical activity. Methods: Semistructured interviews were conducted with 13 youth with CPO. Participants were questioned about pain, physical activity, coping strategies, and the perceived relationship between weight and pain. Interviews were audiorecorded, transcribed, and analyzed according to Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results: Superordinate themes expressed by youth included: Impact of Chronic Pain on Relationships, Impact of Pain on Self-Perception, Using Food to Cope with Pain, Perceived Relationship between Pain and Weight after Onset of Pain, Attitudes toward Physical Activity, Barriers to Physical Activity, and Supports to Physical Activity. Conclusions: Participants identified challenges associated with CPO. Notably, participants identified pain as a greater barrier to exercise than weight, implicating the salience of chronic pain in the lives of youth with CPO. Furthermore, participants identified a desire to be more physically active, yet discussed struggles and concerns about attempts to increase their physical activity and indicated a desire for guidance about being more active. This study highlights the complexities of the relationship between CPO and underscores the importance of providers collaboratively working with patients to develop a practical plan to resume movement and physical activity.
Keywords: chronic pain and obesity; obesity; pediatric; physical activity; qualitative research.