Increased central obesity correlates with physical activity and food processing in recently diagnosed multiple sclerosis

Background: Environmental and lifestyle factors are associated with an increased risk of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Metabolic syndrome (MetS) contributes to systemic inflammation, which is associated with poorer MS disease evolution. We compared persons with MS (PwMS) and controls to assess metabolic and lifestyle parameters associated with MS.

Methods: We pooled data from two prospective observational studies with the same eligibility criteria, matching PwMS and controls (1:2 ratio) by sex, age, and body mass index (BMI). We compared anthropometric, biological and lifestyle parameters, including sleep and physical activity.

Results: We included 53 PwMS and 106 controls with a median age of 35 years and 79% of women. PwMS had low Expanded Disability Status Scale (median 1.5). Compared to controls, PwMS had increased waist-to-hip (p<0.001) and waist-to-height (p=0.007) ratios, and practiced less physical activity (p=0.03). In regression models, lifestyle factors with the strongest factor loadings to predict central obesity were processed food consumption, and vigorous physical activity.

Discussion: Although both groups were matched by age, sex, and BMI, we found increased central obesity in PwMS. Even with minimal neurological impairment, PwMS practiced less physical activity. This suggests that improvement of lifestyle and metabolic parameters should be targeted in MS.