Diet & Fitness

Body weight may be related to pain tolerance. One study indicated women who are more than 30% above the ideal weight for their age experience pain more quickly and more intensely than do women of ideal weight.⁷⁰ No research has investigated the effect of weight loss on pain tolerance.

Exercise increases pain tolerance in some situations,^71,72 in part because exercise may raise levels of naturally occurring painkillers (endorphins and enkephalins).⁷³ Many types of chronic pain are helped by exercise,^74,75,76 though some types of physical activity may aggravate certain painful conditions.⁷⁷ People who want to initiate an exercise program for increasing pain tolerance should first consult a qualified health professional.