Exploring the Correlation Between Body Weight and Spinal Cord Integrity: Insights from a Comprehensive Meta-Analysis

Introduction: Spinal cord integrity is crucial for maintaining normal motor and sensory functions. Body weight, as a biological variable, has been hypothesized to influence spinal cord structure and function. However, the extent and nature of this relationship are not fully understood. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to explore the correlation between body weight and spinal cord integrity, utilizing data from neuroimaging studies.

Methods: We performed a comprehensive literature search across multiple databases, targeting studies that examined the relationship between body weight and spinal cord integrity using imaging modalities such as MRI and DTI (Diffusion Tensor Imaging). Inclusion criteria were studies published between 2010 and 2023, involving healthy subjects and reporting metrics of spinal cord integrity such as cross-sectional area (CSA), white matter (WM) integrity, and fractional anisotropy (FA). Data were analyzed using Python and R to compute pooled effect sizes, and heterogeneity was assessed using I² statistics.

Results: A total of 120 studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing data from over 6,500 participants. Meta-analyses revealed a significant inverse correlation between body weight and spinal cord CSA (r = -0.29, p < 0.001), indicating that higher body weight is associated with reduced spinal cord size. Furthermore, body weight was weakly but significantly correlated with reduced white matter integrity (r = -0.21, p = 0.003) and decreased fractional anisotropy (r = -0.18, p = 0.01), particularly in the cervical and thoracic regions.

Conclusion : This meta-analysis highlights a significant inverse relationship between body weight and spinal cord integrity. Heavier individuals tend to have reduced CSA and diminished white matter integrity, which may have clinical implications for spinal health. Future research should investigate the mechanistic pathways linking body weight with spinal cord structure and explore the potential role of weight management in preserving spinal cord function.