Childhood obesity and risk of pediatric multiple sclerosis and clinically isolated syndrome

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Annette Langer-Gould1, Sonu M Brara, Brandon E Beaber

  • 1Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente of Southern California, Pasadena, USA. Annette.M.Langer-Gould@kp.org

Neurology
|February 1, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Childhood obesity significantly increases the risk of pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) and clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), especially in girls. This trend highlights a growing public health concern with potential long-term neurological consequences.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic with potential long-term health implications.
  • Pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) and clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) are demyelinating diseases affecting children and adolescents.
  • Understanding risk factors for pediatric MS/CIS is crucial for early intervention and prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between childhood obesity and the risk of developing pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) or clinically isolated syndrome (CIS).

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from Kaiser Permanente Southern California (KPSC) between 2004 and 2010.
  • Body mass index (BMI) was assessed prior to symptom onset for pediatric MS/CIS cases and for a large control cohort.
  • Weight categories (normal, overweight, moderate obesity, extreme obesity) were determined using age- and sex-specific BMI percentiles.

Main Results:

  • 75 pediatric cases of MS or CIS were identified, predominantly in girls and adolescents aged 11-18.
  • Obesity was significantly associated with an increased risk of MS/CIS in girls (p=0.005), but not in boys (p=0.93).
  • Extremely obese girls had a 3.76-fold increased risk of MS/CIS, and obese cases were more likely to present with transverse myelitis.

Conclusions:

  • The current childhood obesity epidemic is projected to increase the burden of MS/CIS.
  • Adolescent girls appear particularly vulnerable to the neurological effects of obesity.
  • These findings underscore the need for public health strategies to address childhood obesity and its associated health risks.
Abstract

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