Introduction

Increased body mass index (BMI) correlates with an increased risk of many diseases and is thought to be a risk factor in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Aim of the research

To assess the lifestyle and health of adult individuals with MS, according to their relative BMI.

Material and methods

The study participants comprised 115 individuals with MS. The participants underwent anthropometric measurements, functional tests, lifestyle assessments, and a biochemical blood parameter analysis that included the fasting glucose, triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol, vitamin D, and biotin concentrations.

Results

In total, 40.9% of the participants were overweight or obese. The compared groups did not differ significantly in terms of the degree of their physical disability. The overweight group showed a higher functional ability of the lower limbs than the underweight group. Conversely, the underweight and the normal-weight group showed a higher relative hand grip strength than individuals with overweight and obesity (p < 0.05). Metabolic syndrome was more prevalent in the overweight and obese participants (p < 0.05). The obese individuals drank sweetened carbonated or still drinks significantly more often than the other individuals. They also consumed potatoes more often and other vegetables less often than the other participants (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Individuals with MS differed in terms of the values of their metabolic parameters, functional ability of the lower limbs, and relative hand grip strength, depending on their BMI. The occurrence of obesity may have resulted, at least partially, from differences in diet and physical activity.