Global Research

5 Year MS Study Shows Healthy Living Reduces Fatigue, Depression, and Disability

Published on Wed, 1 Jul 2026

A 5-year observational study of 839 PwMS has found that maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular physical activity, a high-quality diet, and not smoking, can significantly reduce fatigue, depression, and disability over time. The greatest benefits were seen in those adopting multiple healthy behaviors, with 4-5 lifestyle factors linked to sustained improvements across key clinical outcomes, highlighting the cumulative benefits of lifestyle alongside medical care.

Why This Matters to You?

Healthy habits can play a powerful role alongside medical care. Staying active, eating well, and avoiding smoking may help reduce fatigue, support mental health, and slow disability progression. Even small, consistent changes can make a real difference in your MS journey, empowering you to take an active role in your MS journey and have informed conversations with your healthcare team.

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