Association between obesity during different age periods and multiple sclerosis in Saudi Arabia: A multicenter case–control study

Objectives: To determine whether body size in different age periods is associated with an increased risk of MS in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: This study included 307 MS patients and 307 healthy controls from clinics and hospital wards in three cities (Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam) in Saudi Arabia (2016-2017). We used Stunkard’s standard body silhouettes to determine the participants’ body sizes (from 1 to 9) during different age periods (school levels). We calculated adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and performed multivariable analysis adjusted for age and gender.

Results: Large body sizes (silhouettes 6–9) and body size 5 during intermediate school were associated with an increased risk of MS (AOR: 3.75, 95% CI: 1.10–12.78 and AOR: 3.75, 95% CI: 1.41–10, respectively). The smallest body size (1) during intermediate school was associated with a lower risk of MS (AOR: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.17–0.90) compared to body size 3.

Conclusion: Overweight and obesity during the intermediate school period (ages 13–15 years) are associated with an increased risk of MS, particularly among females.