obesity increases MS risk in teen girls

scorpion · Post by **scorpion** » Mon Nov 09, 2009 6:04 am

Interesting study and another reason to keep kids fit and active.

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cheerleader · Post by **cheerleader** » Mon Nov 09, 2009 9:51 am

Some more info on the Harvard study:

A 40-year study of 238,000 women found those who were obese at 18 had twice the risk of developing MS compared to women who were slimmer at that age.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8342585.stm

Obesity is scientifically linked with endothelial disfunction in the cardiovascular system- due to typically higher saturated fat intake, less physical activity, metabolic disorders and disrupted nitric oxide levels. It would certainly exacerbate any congenital venous stenosis.
cheer

lyndacarol · Post by **lyndacarol** » Mon Nov 09, 2009 6:09 pm

Obesity is also linked to insulin: insulin is necessary for fat storage.

Thomas · Post by **Thomas** » Mon Nov 09, 2009 7:40 pm

This reminds me of the studies on smoking and MS: a correlation of MS with an event without proof of causality. So you read in the paper: smoking increases risk of MS! Stop smoking! Obesity increases risk of MS! Lose weight! Move closer towards the equator! without any proof other than correlation.

Talisker · Post by **Talisker** » Tue Nov 10, 2009 5:20 am

Or it could be the disease starts younger than anybody realises by making people less active but without any noticeable syptoms. Like getting tired slightly quicker or not getting the same chemical rush from exercise as somebody without ms. So you put on a few pounds when younger.