Severe Obesity Strongly Linked to DISH-Related Spinal Damage
New study finds a strong correlation between obesity and spinal changes in patients with metabolic syndrome
A retrospective study from Germany has revealed that severe obesity is significantly associated with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH)-related spinal changes in patients with metabolic syndrome, underscoring the need for weight management in clinical care.
Study Details
Researchers at Ruhr-Universität Bochum in Herne, Germany, investigated the relationship between obesity and spinal changes in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS), a condition commonly involving diabetes, hypertension, and elevated BMI. The study was motivated by the rising incidence of DISH, a condition marked by abnormal spinal bone growth, and its overlap with metabolic disorders.
Methodology
The study retrospectively examined 124 patients diagnosed with MetS, all of whom had a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher. Patients were stratified into four obesity classes (from class 0: BMI 25.0–29.9 to class III: BMI ≥ 40). Spine and chest radiographs were used to assess the presence of DISH-related “chunky” spondylophytes (bony growths along the spine) versus standard degenerative ones. DISH was diagnosed when at least four contiguous vertebrae were affected.
Key Findings
Prevalence: 33.9% of MetS patients were diagnosed with DISH.
Association with Obesity: Classes II and III obesity were significantly linked with more DISH-related chunky spondylophytes compared to lower obesity classes.
Degenerative vs. DISH-Related Changes: Patients with DISH showed significantly more DISH-related spondylophytes but fewer degenerative ones.
Trends by Obesity Class: Although patients with higher obesity levels (Classes II & III) had more chunky spondylophytes than those in Classes 0 & I (14.1 vs 9.7), this difference was not statistically significant.
Implications for Practice
These findings suggest that obesity is not just a parallel condition in patients with MetS but may actively contribute to the formation of DISH-related spinal abnormalities. This highlights the importance of integrating obesity management into routine care for patients with MetS. Early weight intervention may help slow or prevent the progression of spinal changes associated with DISH, improving patient outcomes and quality of life.