There’s yet another reason to keep your weight in check. A new study has found a high body mass index can put you at risk to develop Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS).

Researchers followed 1,000 patients who complained of arm pain to determine if their pain was CTS.

They found that diabetes, high body mass index, wrist dimension ratio, hormonal changes associated with menopause and steroid use all increased the risk of having the syndrome.

"Due to the high prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome, especially in women, it is recommended that physicians refer patients with hand pain, numbness, and night awakening of hand numbness for evaluation by a trained electrodiagnostic physician," said the study’s author Dr Seyed Rayegani.

Treatment for CTS is based on its severity. In mild cases, therapy, wearing a wrist splint and job modification can all be helpful. For more advanced cases, surgery may be necessary.

According to the Mayo Clinic, yoga and other relaxation techniques as well as acupuncture and vitamin B6 supplements may help lessen the symptoms of CTS.