Cross sectional analyses indicated that body fat distribution was not associated with performance-based and...

Obesity is cited as a relevant factor in multiple sclerosis (MS). To date, there is inconsistent evidence regarding the relationship between total body fat and frequently studied outcomes in MS. Body fat distribution, or the location of adipose tissue and depots within the body, may represent a biologically meaningful correlate of MS-related outcomes.

This exploratory study assessed whether dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-based body fat distribution metrics were associated with performance-based and self-reported outcomes of MS.

Fifty-seven ambulatory adults with MS underwent DXA to quantify visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue; android- and gynoid- % fat mass; and android/gynoid ratio. Outcomes included performance-based (Timed Up and Go, Timed 25-Foot Walk, Six-Minute Walk) and self-reported assessments (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale anxiety and depression [HADS-D] sub-scales), Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale physical [MSIS Physical] and psychological domains, Fatigue Severity Scale, and the short form of the McGill Pain Questionnaire). Spearman correlation assessed bivariate and partial (controlling for sex and age) associations.

Correlations between body fat distribution metrics and performance-based and self-reported outcomes were generally small and not statistically significant. Gynoid % fat mass correlated with depressive symptoms (HADS-D: r_s = -.28, p = .033) and physical health-related quality of life (MSIS Physical: r_s = -.31, p = .018), but partial correlations were not statistically significant.

Our results did not support an association between body fat distribution and frequently studied MS-related outcomes. This aligns with research suggesting a limited role of adiposity and MS-related outcomes.