Ever since I started really having problems with my diet, I've gained a bit of weight, a lot of it in/around my mid-to-lower back, hips/love handle area and butt and thighs.

I already had back problems and pain due to an injury (4 fractured vertebrae) before I ever gained any considerable amount of weight, but I'm just wondering if the weight gain in the previously mentioned areas could be making it a lot worse, and if focusing on losing weight, just in general but in those areas especially would make any considerable difference. Thank you.