Early-life and adult body mass index in relation to MS disability progression

The influence of body weight across the life course on multiple sclerosis (MS) progression remains incompletely understood. While excess body mass at diagnosis is associated with disability progression, it is unclear how early-life and adult BMI jointly affect long-term outcomes. We aimed to investigate the separate and combined effects of BMI at age 20 and at diagnosis on MS progression.

We studied 2940 individuals with relapsing-onset MS from a population-based case-control study with prospective follow-up through the Swedish MS registry. BMI was calculated from self-reported weight at age 20 and at diagnosis. Outcomes included confirmed disability worsening (CDW), and time to reach EDSS 3 and EDSS 4. Cox regression and general linear models were used to examine associations between BMI and MS progression, including interaction terms.

High BMI (> 28 kg/m²) at age 20 was associated with higher disability at diagnosis (β = 0.15, p = 0.0015), while BMI at diagnosis predicted increased risk of progression. Compared to individuals with BMI ≤ 28 kg/m² at both time points, those with persistent elevated BMI had higher risks of CDW (HR 1.28, 95% CI 1.01-1.63), EDSS 3 (HR 1.64, 95% CI 1.21-2.24), and EDSS 4 (HR 1.51, 95% CI 1.00-2.39). Risks were increased, though less pronounced, among those with high BMI only at diagnosis. Early-life excess weight alone was not associated with progression. Interaction models suggested a stronger effect of adult BMI in the presence of early excess weight.

High BMI at diagnosis was associated with faster disability progression, particularly when present since early adulthood. These findings underscore the potential benefits of early weight management in MS.