Obesity Affects Disease Activity and Progression, Cognitive Functioning, and Quality of Life in People With Multiple Sclerosis

This study examined the impact of obesity on disease progression, cognitive functioning, and quality of life in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). It followed 3,249 patients for over a decade. Obesity was associated with faster disease progression, worse cognitive performance, and more frequent MRI-detected brain lesions. These findings highlight obesity as a significant factor affecting MS outcomes, possibly due to systemic inflammation and vitamin D deficiencies related to obesity. This research emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy weight for managing MS and cognitive health.

Maintaining a healthy weight through balanced diet and regular exercise may improve overall health and cognitive outcomes in MS patients. However, as this is an observational study, these recommendations should be paired with professional guidance tailored to individual needs. Further research is needed to confirm causal links.