Obesity has been linked to many diseases. Recent study revealed that it also increases risk of developing the neurological disorder, restless legs syndrome (RLS). Nearly one in 10 American adults is affected by RLS.

Researchers at Harvard Medical School analyzed data collected from more than 88,000 U. S. adults. Data analysis revealed that obese men and women have 42 percent higher risk of RLS as compared to normal-weight people. An association between abdominal obesity and RLS was also highlighted during the study. Study subjects with the largest waistlines had a 60 percent high risk than those with the slim waist.

Lead researcher, Xiang Gao, MD, PhD, of Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Public Health says that in several previous studies, obesity was shown to increase the risk for developing the neurological disorder, but none of the studies was designed for the purpose of examining this link.

Gao added that our study suggests that obesity could be a risk factor for RLS. However, the findings do not prove that obesity leads to RLS, and further studies that follow people over time are needed to confirm obesity as a risk factor.