Being overweight ages the brain according to a recent study, which may raise alarm bells for those who are clinically overweight and increase the risk of diseases and even death.
Being overweight ages the brain and loses brain tissue
As people age, the brain naturally loses white matter that is responsible for transmitting information, which results to a decreased capability in cognitive functions and eventually reduces the amount of tissues.
Researchers from the Cambridge Center for Ageing and Neuroscience of Cambridge University, they claim that white matter loss in the brain is further worsened by extra body weight, especially those with a high volume of fat in their bodies.
The study involved some 473 test participants aged between 20 to 87 who were then divided into two groups- the overweight and lean categories.
Their findings were published in the journal Neurobiology of Aging and it reveals that they saw evidence linking the reduction of white matter was more significant compared to their leaner counterparts.
More prevalent with those in the ‘prime’ of their lives
Evidence of this discovery, however, point out that it is more prevalent among the middle-aged and up, but clarified that there is still no proof linking that this condition could be the cause for dementia in old age.
The researchers were also quick to clarify that although this discovery may link obesity to brain tissue loss, further studies need to be done to make any conclusive statements regarding this matter.
“Obesity is so complex. We know an awful lot about what it does to the body,” says Dr. Lisa Ronan, the lead author of the study. “But what it does to the brain and how it interacts with obesity – we’re at the beginning of understanding that.”
Obesity is a growing worldwide problem
Obesity affects millions of people worldwide and more that 2 in 3 adults are considered overweight or obese, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention points out that in the United States, 37.9% of Americans 20 years old and above are considered obese, while a staggering 70.7% of the same age level belong to the overweight an obese categories.
Being overweight ages the brain so say scientists, making you older by as much as 10 years, unless you start to take steps to address it for better health.
Being overweight ages the brain according to a recent study, which may raise alarm bells for those who are clinically overweight and increase the risk of diseases and even death.
Being overweight ages the brain and loses brain tissue
As people age, the brain naturally loses white matter that is responsible for transmitting information, which results to a decreased capability in cognitive functions and eventually reduces the amount of tissues.
Researchers from the Cambridge Center for Ageing and Neuroscience of Cambridge University, they claim that white matter loss in the brain is further worsened by extra body weight, especially those with a high volume of fat in their bodies.
The study involved some 473 test participants aged between 20 to 87 who were then divided into two groups- the overweight and lean categories.
Their findings were published in the journal Neurobiology of Aging and it reveals that they saw evidence linking the reduction of white matter was more significant compared to their leaner counterparts.
More prevalent with those in the ‘prime’ of their lives
Evidence of this discovery, however, point out that it is more prevalent among the middle-aged and up, but clarified that there is still no proof linking that this condition could be the cause for dementia in old age.
The researchers were also quick to clarify that although this discovery may link obesity to brain tissue loss, further studies need to be done to make any conclusive statements regarding this matter.
“Obesity is so complex. We know an awful lot about what it does to the body,” says Dr. Lisa Ronan, the lead author of the study. “But what it does to the brain and how it interacts with obesity – we’re at the beginning of understanding that.”
Obesity is a growing worldwide problem
Obesity affects millions of people worldwide and more that 2 in 3 adults are considered overweight or obese, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention points out that in the United States, 37.9% of Americans 20 years old and above are considered obese, while a staggering 70.7% of the same age level belong to the overweight an obese categories.
The post Being Overweight Ages The Brain By 10 Years appeared first on NUTRITION CLUB CANADA.
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