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


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

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.

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.