• Media type: E-Article
  • Title: Modifying diet and exercise in multiple sclerosis (MoDEMS): A randomized controlled trial for behavioral weight loss in adults with multiple sclerosis and obesity
  • Contributor: Bruce, Jared M; Cozart, Julia S; Shook, Robin P; Befort, Christie; Siengsukon, Catherine F; Simon, Stephen; Lynch, Sharon G; Mahmoud, Rola; Drees, Betty; Posson, Paige; Hibbing, Paul R; Huebner, Joanie; Bradish, Taylor; Robichaud, Jade; Bruce, Amanda S
  • imprint: SAGE Publications, 2023
  • Published in: Multiple Sclerosis Journal
  • Language: English
  • DOI: 10.1177/13524585231213241
  • ISSN: 1352-4585; 1477-0970
  • Keywords: Neurology (clinical) ; Neurology
  • Origination:
  • Footnote:
  • Description: <jats:sec><jats:title>Background:</jats:title><jats:p> Obesity is a risk factor for developing multiple sclerosis (MS) and MS-related disability. The efficacy of behavioral weight loss interventions among people with MS (pwMS) remains largely unknown. </jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Objective:</jats:title><jats:p> Examine whether a group-based telehealth weight loss intervention produces clinically significant weight loss in pwMS and obesity. </jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Methods:</jats:title><jats:p> Seventy-one pwMS were randomized to the weight loss intervention or treatment-as-usual (TAU). The 6-month program promoted established guidelines for calorie reduction and increased physical activity. Anthropometric measurements, mobility tasks, self-report questionnaires, and accelerometry were used to assess changes at follow-up. </jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Results:</jats:title><jats:p> Mean percent weight loss in the treatment group was 8.6% compared to 0.7% in the TAU group ( p &lt; .001). Sixty-five percent of participants in the intervention achieved clinically meaningful weight loss (⩾ 5%). Participants in the treatment group engaged in 46.2 minutes/week more moderate-to-vigorous physical activity than TAU participants ( p = .017) and showed improvements in quality of life ( p = .012). Weight loss was associated with improved mobility ( p = .003) and reduced fatiguability ( p = .008). </jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Conclusion:</jats:title><jats:p> Findings demonstrate the efficacy of a behavioral intervention for pwMS and obesity, with clinically significant weight loss for two-thirds of participants in the treatment condition. Weight loss may also lead to improved mobility and quality of life. </jats:p></jats:sec>