Obesity, Nutrition and the Multiple Sclerosis Risk in Adolescents

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, autoimmune neurological disease resulting from the interplay between genetic susceptibility and environmental factors. In recent decades, the rising incidence of MS, particularly pediatric-onset forms, has paralleled the global obesity pandemic. This article explores the causal link between pediatric obesity, systemic inflammation, and neuroinflammation, with a specific focus on the microbiota-gut-liver-brain axis. We analyze how nutritional habits can play a pivotal role by inducing dysbiosis, with alteration in microbiota-driven metabolites, and leaky gut related abnormalities-which may trigger blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption and microglial activation-or by acting as a protective factor, such as through the Mediterranean Diet (MD). Furthermore, we evaluate the emerging therapeutic perspectives offered by Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists, which may offer dual benefits in weight management and immune modulation.