Body Mass Index in Relation to Quality of Life Aspects in Women with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Abstract

Background: Systemic lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease affecting physical, psychological and social well-being of patients and their quality of life (QoL). Obesity is a growing public health problems and its rate and risk of disability is higher in SLE patients than general population. In this study, we assessed the correlation between body composition in patients with SLE and their quality of life aspects. Methods: Fifty-six adult women with SLE who attend in Rheumatology Research Center of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences were enrolled. Most of patients were on low to medium steroid doses. Their height (cm), weight (kg), Body Mass Index (BMI), percentage of body fat and fat free mass (kg) were measured. Demographic data, physical activity, disease duration, and medications were obtained through patient self -report questionnaire. For evaluating the QoL in patients with SLE, validated Iranian version of short form 12 (SF-12) questionnaire was used. Results: there was significant correlation between BMI over 25 and bodily pain. There was not any significant relation between other aspects of QoL (physical functioning, role limitations due to physical health, general health, social functioning, vitality and mental health) and BMI over 25 in patients with SLE. Conclusion: There is a correlation between BMI over 25 and experiencing more pain (which is a marker of QoL) in women with SLE.