Obesity can increase the risk of developing MS and may increase levels of disability in those with established MS. Losing weight can help improve more than just body size, but it can be difficult to do and needs the support of a healthcare team to aid behaviour change. This study will use a tested method to help people with MS make healthier choices in their eating patterns, exercise routine, and overall self-management to aid in weight management.

The study will include adults with relapsing-remitting MS who are overweight (BMI over 25). Participants will be randomly assigned to either standard care (exercise and nutrition advice from a nurse) or a personalised plan (nutrition, exercise, and psychological support from an Accredited Practising Dietitian). The study will last for six months, followed by another six months follow up to see if the positive changes are sustained in the longer-term. This study will be delivered via telehealth.

The study will look at weight loss and improvements in symptoms like fatigue, sleep, disability, and quality of life. It will also evaluate the cost benefits. It is hypothesised that the personalised approach will lead to more weight loss and better symptom management for the participants.

Click here to access our pre-screen eligibility survey.

• Aged >18 years.
• Body mass index (BMI) >25kg/m2 and <30kg/m2. If you’re unsure what your BMI is, you can use the Australian Heart Foundation BMI calculator check here: https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/bmi-calculator.
• A self-reported and neurologist confirmed diagnosis of clinically definite relapsing remitting-MS,
• Disability status: Those who can walk unaided, i.e. does not need a cane or other assistance to walk (EDSS <4) are eligible.
• Stable (minimum previous six months) on a disease modifying therapy.

Eligible participants must also have access to a telephone and either a computer or smartphone with Internet access and able to provide informed consent to participate in the intervention and assessment procedures.

• Those newly diagnosed with relapsing remitting-MS within the previous 12 months to enrolment in the study.
• Those who have had a relapse within the prior six months to enrolment in the study.
• Currently participating in a weight loss intervention or using a weight loss therapy (eg., ozempic [semaglutide], saxenda [liraglutide] or duromine etc)
• Pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding women

Currently recruiting

For more information about the study and to confirm whether your eligible to participate, please contact the project manager Dr Olivia Wills (E: halt-MS@uow.edu.au).

Yes

17/04/2025