Childhood Obesity May Boost MS Risk

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Very obese children and teens may be at risk for multiple sclerosis, a new study suggests.
In the study, very obese girls (those who had a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher) were nearly four times more likely to be diagnosed withmultiple sclerosis (MS) within the study period, compared with girls who were normal weight. The link was strongest among teenagers.
No link between obesity and multiple sclerosis was found for girls in other weight classes, or for boys.
In people with MS, the immune system attacks the nerve cells of the brain and spinal cord, producing symptoms such as numbness, loss of balance, weakness and tremors. MS is rare in children ? about one to two kids out of every 100,000 will develop the condition. Symptoms are similar in children and adults, although youngsters may also experience symptoms not typical of MS, such as seizures or lethargy, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

http://news.yahoo.com/childhood-obesity-may-boost-ms-risk-220712652.html
 
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