Research shows that two people can weigh the same, have similar BMI (Body Mass Index), but carry different risks for brain health. This is due to where body fat is located.
Scientists already knew that obesity is linked to higher chances of dementia. However, new findings reveal that the location of fat on the body also matters. A study from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University examined over 18,000 people from the UK Biobank. It looked at where fat is distributed and compared this to brain scans and cognitive tests.
The study found that fat distribution is strongly connected to brain aging speed. For example, fat in areas like the arms, legs, and trunk affects different brain parts, including those responsible for movement and memory.
Importantly, the research highlights that visceral fat, which is fat around the organs, is linked to damage in brain white matter. White matter helps signals travel in the brain and its damage is related to diseases that precede dementia.
Though the study doesn’t pinpoint exact causes, it suggests that inflammation from visceral fat might harm the brain. Reducing this kind of fat could be significant.
While the study involved many people, it’s observational, so more research is needed to understand all the details. But reducing visceral fat through lifestyle changes might help prevent brain disorders. The study is published in Nature Mental Health.
