Can Obesity Cause Neuropathy | CanPharm

You might be wondering if there is a connection between carrying extra weight and the strange tingling or numbness you’re feeling in your hands or feet. This leads many to question, can obesity cause neuropathy? While most people associate nerve damage with diabetes, obesity itself is increasingly recognized as an independent risk factor for peripheral neuropathy.

Peripheral neuropathy means that there is nerve damage in the outer parts of the body, usually affecting the legs, feet or hands. It can show up as numbness, burning, weakness, tingling, or even sharp pain. While diabetes is a common cause, studies now show that people with obesity, even without diabetes, can also develop neuropathy symptoms. It’s not just obesity in general, but central obesity such as fat concentrated around the waist that may play a big role in causing nerve damage.

Recent research shows that the distribution of body fat matters more than we once thought. It’s not just general obesity that raises the risk of neuropathy; rather, central obesity, meaning excess fat around the waist. In fact, people with similar BMIs had very different outcomes depending on waist size, with those carrying more abdominal fat showing a higher prevalence of nerve damage. Even individuals without diabetes or full-blown neuropathy reported nerve pain and reduced quality of life, suggesting that early signs of nerve injury may begin before clinical symptoms appear. These findings point to the importance of monitoring waist circumference and addressing central obesity as part of neuropathy prevention.

The Connection between Obesity and Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms

When looking at can obesity cause peripheral neuropathy, the major factor is inflammation. Obesity often triggers chronic low-grade inflammation in the body and over time that can impact your nerves. Inflammation can make nerves more sensitive or disrupt the way they transmit signals, leading to pain or numbness. It can also damage the small blood vessels that feed your nerves, cutting off essential oxygen and nutrients. 

On top of that, obesity can impact how your body processes insulin, even if you haven’t been diagnosed with diabetes. Insulin resistance, which is common in people with obesity, can slowly impair nerve health in ways similar to early diabetic neuropathy. Additionally, compression may play a role too. Extra weight can physically compress nerves, especially in areas like the lower back or legs. Conditions like sciatica or carpal tunnel syndrome are more common in people with obesity for this reason. The nerves don’t always bounce back easily from constant pressure or inflammation, which is why early signs of neuropathy shouldn’t be ignored.

Takeaway

Managing neuropathy linked to obesity typically involves a multi-prolonged approach. Losing weight can reduce inflammation, improve circulation and take pressure off your nerves. Even a little weight loss can make a big difference. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of vitamins such as vitamin B, staying active, and managing blood sugar are all steps in the right direction. In some cases, medication or physical therapy may help with the pain. 

Obesity can contribute to the development of neuropathy. The good news is that nerve damage doesn’t always have to progress. With the right steps, you can reduce your risk, relieve symptoms and support healthier nerve function going forward.