Earlier and later adult BMI may increase the risk for multiple myeloma, according to a pooled analysis involving nearly 12,000 individuals.

Investigators conducted multivariable logistic regression analysis of usual adult anthropometric measures in participants with multiple myeloma (n= 2,318) and controls (n=9,609), and of young adult BMI (age 25 or 30 years) in a subset with multiple myeloma (n=1,164) and controls (n=3,629). Among the results:

• Multiple myeloma risk was positively linked with usual adult BMI; risk increased 9% per 5-kg/m² increase in BMI.
• Young adult BMI was also positively associated with MM; risk increased 20% per 5-kg/m² increase in BMI.
• People who were overweight or obese at both younger age and as adults had a significantly higher risk of developing multiple myeloma than those who were not overweight or obese.
• This was not the case for those overweight or obese at only 1 time period.