How Body Fat Affects Brain Health
A new study out of McMaster University and published in JAMA Network Open finds that greater body fat is a risk factor for reduced cognitive function in adults. Most of us don’t worry too much on a day-to-day basis about declining cognitive function or possible dementia with age…but these conditions are on the rise! Even if you are young and just want to avoid the annoyance of forgetfulness or brain fog…consider this: The latest study looked at nearly 10,000 individuals living in either Canada or Poland. They were between the ages of 30 and 75. Most were of white European descent and 56% were women. Even after adjusting for diabetes, high blood pressure, and vascular brain injuries, the study found that higher overall body fat and visceral fat were correlated with lower cognitive scores. What’s visceral fat? It’s when fat builds up around the internal organs. This type of fat tissue secretes chemical compounds that disrupt the metabolism and promote inflammation. So, it’s possible that this mechanism partly explains the link between body fat and cognitive function. Whatever the mechanism, this study is a good reminder that metabolic health affects so many other aspects of health! Weight loss is neither simple nor straightforward. There are so many aspects of the metabolism, hormones, and even the immune system to take into account. If you’re looking for a comprehensive and sustainable approach to creating a healthier metabolism, please book a Discovery Call to hear about what we can do to help. That’s what we’re here for!
