Objective:

To understand the perceptions and opinions regarding weight, dietary intake, and physical activity (PA) in pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) patients. To identify if independent parental perceptions align with those of their child with POMS.

Background:

Risk for POMS is impacted by diet and obesity. There is accumulating evidence that obesity, dietary habits, and physical inactivity may influence disease course. Despite this, the majority of overweight/obese MS youth do not perceive that they are overweight/obese.

Design/Methods:

Subjects with POMS and at least one of their primary caregivers were asked
to complete a survey targeting opinions and perceptions of weight, dietary intake, and
PA as it relates to MS.

Results:

105 participants completed the survey (53 individuals with POMS and 52 caregivers). Two-
thirds of POMS participants identify as being overweight and 38% have been told they
were overweight by a healthcare provider. Only 36% of caregivers consider their child
with POMS to be overweight. Most POMS participants have tried to impact their weight by
eating healthier (74%), exercising (72%), or by eating less (51%). Main obstacles to
weight loss include depression/anxiety (30%), difficulty with willpower (30%), lack of funds for
healthy food/exercise (25%), and fatigue (25%). Though two-thirds exercised
purposefully at least once in the past week, the majority (60%) are not as physically
active as they would like to be. A small subset of POMS participants (23%) and their caregivers
(35%) consider MS to be a contributor to why they are not as active as they would like to
be.

Conclusions:

Children with POMS are more likely to identify themselves as overweight
than their caregiver. Major obstacles to attaining a healthy weight include
mood/motivation, monetary resources, and fatigue. Despite the prevalence of inactivity,
the majority of youth and their caregivers do not identify MS as a factor to lack of PA.