In the last two decades or so, the prevalence of obesity has doubled. During this time, scientists have conducted observational studies and established links between obesity and human brain structure.
A new study published in the journal Neurology has found that obesity may lead to a more rapid mental decline. It's one of the first studies to delve into the link between obesity and brain function.
What the Study Involved
The French research team surveyed 6,401 adults aged between 31 and 63. Their body mass index, blood pressure, glucose levels, cholesterol and triglyceride levels were recorded. Within the group, 9 per cent were obese and 38 per cent were overweight.
Over a 15-year period, the participants were subjected to three rounds of cognitive testing to assess their brain performance or level of cognitive functioning.
What the Study Found
The study concluded that the overweight and obese participants experienced a greater rate of mental decline due to brain structural abnormalities. In particular, those who had hypertension, high blood glucose levels, diabetes, low HDL cholesterol or high triglycerides recorded the highest rates of poor cognitive performance.
Observing the brain structure of the participants, researchers found that obese adults have low gray matter volumes in the middle frontal gyrus, which is the brain region associated with movement, emotions and memory performance, as a result of high levels of body fat. Additionally, they found a direct association between obesity and the prefrontal cortex of the brain, which is responsible for logical thinking. It is believed that obese people, as well as those who struggle with weight gain, have a less active prefrontal cortex.
Apart from the gray matter volumes, scientists also took note of the changes in the white matter volumes in the obese participants' brains. These white matter volumes facilitate communication between neurons to ensure optimal neurocognitive function.
Another brain research team observed that weight gain leads to increased production of inflammatory cytokines, such as tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), which can lead to endothelial dysfunction and damage the brain.
Source: ScienceDirect
What do the Results Mean?
The extensive study has highlighted that central obesity reduces cognitive functioning and increases the risk for mental health disorders, including early onset dementia. This just adds to the many reasons to keep our weight in check and ensure we are in a healthy weight range to maintain normal brain activity.
Increasing the gray matter volumes in the brain is vital to help people with an obese condition, or even normal-weight people who tend to overeat, to control the urge to eat more than they should.
The results of the observational studies also showed that anyone can be at risk of obesity, even normal-weight people with a high-fat diet. Although they may not notice or feel it, unlike those with central obesity, visceral fat may surround their stomach area and put them at risk for brain inflammation, metabolic diseases or other conditions such as:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Fatty liver disease
- Heart disease
- Poor episodic memory
How Can You Achieve a Normal Weight?
It is crucial to avoid excess weight by eating well and engaging in physical activity so that cognitive function is maintained and risk factors for metabolic syndrome are lowered. Researchers have found that ignoring risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome can reduce adult lifespan by 4 to 5 years.
People with abdominal obesity are believed to be at risk of metabolic diseases, but so are normal-weight people. The presence of a large waist circumference is only one criterion for metabolic syndrome. Even without excess weight around the waist or hips, a person with high blood pressure, increased blood sugar levels and low HDL, or good cholesterol, may be at risk.
Ways to manage your weight
Fill up on natural foods
Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and legumes all make up a healthy diet and have neuroprotective effects. Avoid sugary drinks and processed food as these contain high levels of sodium, artificial sweeteners and saturated fat. A nutritionist or naturopath can advise you on a healthy eating regime to suit your health profile and goals.
Get moving
Physical inactivity is one of the main triggers of metabolic syndrome. A key factor in maintaining a healthy weight is burning calories. Research has found that you need to burn 500 calories a day to lose 500 grams of weight or more per week. This can be achieved by working out for at least 30 minutes, four to five times a week. Consult a personal trainer for assistance setting a workout routine for optimal results.
Get a massage
A 2010 study found that massage may be effective in reducing fatty tissue. In particular, lymphatic drainage massage has been shown to be beneficial in weight loss and in alleviating the effects of obesity.
Do yoga
While most yoga practices aren't likely to result in high-calorie burn, it has been shown to improve relaxation and reduce stress. Since many people overeat due to stress and anxiety, yoga may help improve cognitive functioning, which ultimately leads one to make better choices.
Start counselling
A counsellor may be able to help you identify weight-related issues and move through the emotions that cause the vicious cycle of overeating or poor eating habits.
Try hypnotherapy
Using hypnosis during a hypnotherapy session has many beneficial effects to the mind and body. It taps into the subconscious region of the brain where patterns of thoughts, feelings and habits are stored. Certain brain regions are activated during the process, including the middle frontal gyrus, to increase awareness and make you receptive to positive suggestions so that you can achieve the change that you want.
Physical health deterioration is not the only impact of obesity. It also affects your executive functioning, altering the gray matter and white matter in your brain, as well as the brain's natural ability to respond to messages through synaptic plasticity. Consulting a health professional who understands the direct relationship between obesity and brain health, thanks to years of extensive brain research, will enable you to gain a more solid insight into why maintaining gray and white matter integrity in the human brain is important with regard to preventing the effects of obesity.
Originally published on May 17, 2013
