Body size perceptions & diet modification in youth with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Background: Investigate the perceptions of pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) patients regarding their body size and assess the feasibility of recruitment for a study of diet modification in this unique population. Methods: This cross-sectional study surveyed a cohort of 43 consecutive youth with MS. The survey queried participant demographics, clinical disease characteristics, body size perception, and opinions of diet modification Results: While over three quarters of surveyed participants were overweight/obese, 58% of these participants did not self-identify as such. A single participant was attempting a diet at the time of survey, but 88% of participants indicated interest in pursuing diet modification. BMI category did not impact an individual's willingness to pursue diet intervention; however, obese participants were more willing to participate in diet intervention for longer durations. Conclusion: A significant proportion of MS youth have an elevated BMI, yet the majority have the self-perception that they are not overweight or obese. Regardless of BMI, most youth with MS have an interest in pursuing diet modification in attempts to benefit their disease course.