PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Osama A. Al-Wutayd AU - Ashri G. Mohamed AU - Jameelah A. Saeedi AU - Hessa S. Alotaibi AU - Mohammed A. Al Jumah TI - Association between obesity during different age periods and multiple sclerosis in Saudi Arabia: A multicenter case–control study AID - 10.17712/nsj.2022.2.20210121 DP - 2022 Apr 01 TA - Neurosciences Journal PG - 87--93 VI - 27 IP - 2 4099 - http://nsj.org.sa/content/27/2/87.short 4100 - http://nsj.org.sa/content/27/2/87.full SO - Neurosciences (Riyadh)2022 Apr 01; 27 AB - 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.