Nearly everyone knows that obesity can cause hypertension, diabetes, enlargement of the liver, and coronary artery disease. What many people do not take into consideration, however, is the fact that obesity can also cause physical pain, particularly in the lower back, hips, and knees, as extra weight strains these joints. The good news is that weight loss and exercise can significantly reduce the risk of chronic pain. Moreover, while obesity has been linked to pain, exercising for one or more hours per week helps to reduce the effect that a high body mass index (BMI) has on one’s risk for chronic pain.