Childhood Obesity Could Increase the Risk of Multiple Sclerosis in Later Life

While smoking has fallen as a risk factor, a rise in childhood obesity looks set to increase as a factor in MS rates

In the United States, childhood obesity has become a larger risk factor for multiple sclerosis than smoking. off5173/Shutterstock

Obesity and smoking are well-known risk factors for heart disease and cancer. What is less well known is that they’re associated with an increased risk of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Several studies looking at how MS develops have associated childhood obesity and smoking with a significant increase in the subsequent risk of getting the disease. MS is becoming increasingly common, and changing rates of childhood obesity and smoking may be contributing to this.