Association of body mass index with progression and prediction of multiple sclerosis

Background/Aim: Multiple sclerosis is a disease whose aetiology involves multifactorial interactions among genetic and environmental factors. Obesity is one of the most important environmental factors conducive to the onset and progression of the disease. The aim of the study was to determine the value of body mass index (BMI) in a population of patients with multiple sclerosis compared to the general population, in order to assess the relation between the BMI and physical disability in patients with multiple sclerosis and the influence of the BMI on the course and progression of the disease. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in 100 patients suffering from multiple sclerosis (experimental group) and 50 healthy people (control group). In order to determine the degree of physical disability, the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) was used. Clinical and demographic data and values of the BMI in both studied groups were collected. Statistical analysis included the descriptive statistics, t-test, chi-square test, analysis of variance, correlation and regression analysis. Results: Mean body weight and BMI were significantly higher in the control group (p< 0.05). There was no significant correlation between EDSS and BMI (p = 0.574). There was a correlation between the course of MS and the fact whether BMI was abnormal or normal (p = 0.031). Conclusion: BMI is an environmental factor that significantly correlates with the progression and prediction of multiple sclerosis, but not to the degree of physical disability.