Recent research shows strong evidence between abdominal fat and reduced brain function. In a large study of healthy adults, data showed a greater visceral and subcutaneous abdominal fat on abdominal MRI predicted brain atrophy on imaging, especially in the female population.
It was shown that excess fat is bad for the brain. The problem is worse in women. Included is the risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Multiple studies have shown a connection between body fat storage and increased risk for dementia. Previously few have examined the relationship between types of fat (visceral and subcutaneous) and brain size.
Research has found that higher amounts of visceral and subcutaneous abdominal fat predicted lower gray and white matter volume as well as lower volume in the hippocampus, frontal cortex, temporal, parietal, and occipital lobes.
Women had greater brain atrophy with increased visceral fat than men. The analysis did not account for other lifestyle changes such as diet, physical activity, and genetic variables.
Reduced brain volume may be associated with cognitive processing, memory, and performing everyday tasks. Rates of obesity continue to rise in the world; therefore, this problem can be ranked along-side other obesity-related conditions including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
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Fiegal KM, Carroll MD, Ogden CL (2012). Prevalence of Obesity and Trends in the Distribution pf Body Mass index Among US Adults, 1999-2010, JAMA, 307-491.
Canada PHA of (2009) Obesity in Canada
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