RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Association between obesity during different age periods and multiple sclerosis in Saudi Arabia: A multicenter case–control study JF Neurosciences Journal JO Neurosciences (Riyadh) FD Prince Sultan Military Medical City SP 87 OP 93 DO 10.17712/nsj.2022.2.20210121 VO 27 IS 2 A1 Osama A. Al-Wutayd A1 Ashri G. Mohamed A1 Jameelah A. Saeedi A1 Hessa S. Alotaibi A1 Mohammed A. Al Jumah YR 2022 UL http://nsj.org.sa/content/27/2/87.abstract 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.