Researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology have found that women who exercised four or more times weekly were 29% less likely to develop fibromyalgia than sedentary women. Obese women (women with a BMI of at least 30) had a 64% higher risk than normal-weight women of developing the disorder.

Fibromyalgia causes long-term muscle and connective tissue pain, extreme fatigue, and disturbed sleep patterns. It also causes elevation of serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines and dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA). These symptoms are the same as those caused by obesity and depression. Therefore, treating the symptoms with exercise and anti-depressants can often help fibromyalgia sufferers.

The researchers in the Norwegian study stated, “Regular physical exercise, and thereby improved physical fitness, may serve as a buffer against the perpetuation of musculoskeletal symptoms that eventually lead to the development of fibromyalgia.” Another great reason to incorporate regular physical activity into your routine!