Israeli Researchers Link Abdominal Fat to Accelerated Brain Aging
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
Israeli scientists have discovered a link between excess visceral fat in the abdomen and accelerated brain aging, including memory decline. The study, involving over 500 participants, found that this type of fat, which surrounds internal organs, correlated with lower cognitive function scores. Reducing visceral fat through lifestyle changes was associated with better brain health preservation, suggesting glucose metabolism plays a key role.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Excess visceral fat, not just overall weight, is linked to memory decline and accelerated brain aging.
- A study led by Ben-Gurion University found reduced visceral fat correlated with better brain health preservation.
- The research suggests improved blood sugar control may be a mechanism linking reduced visceral fat to slower brain aging.
- The study did not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between visceral fat and brain aging.
- Accurate measurement of visceral fat requires specialized methods like MRI, not standard scales or waist measurements.
Excess abdominal fat, particularly visceral fat accumulating around internal organs, may be linked to memory decline and accelerated brain aging, according to a study by an international research team led by specialists from Ben-Gurion University. The findings, published in Nature Communications, suggest that visceral fat poses a greater risk than overall excess weight.
The study analyzed data from four large nutrition and lifestyle projects, re-examining 533 participants, averaging 61 years old, 5 to 16 years after initial observations. Using MRI scans, researchers assessed brain health and abdominal fat, alongside cognitive tests measuring memory and attention. They found that prolonged accumulation of visceral fat correlated with lower scores in memory and thinking tests, while subcutaneous fat showed no such consistent link.
Notably, individuals who significantly reduced visceral fat through diet and lifestyle changes over 18 months showed better preservation of overall brain volume and gray matter several years later. This improvement persisted even after accounting for overall weight loss, indicating that the location of fat, not just the amount lost, is significant. Participants with less visceral fat over time also exhibited slower brain atrophy.
Researchers explored potential mechanisms, finding the strongest link between brain health and glucose metabolism. Improved blood sugar control appeared more closely tied to positive brain tissue changes than inflammation or blood lipid levels. The study authors hypothesize that normalized glucose metabolism might be a key factor in how reduced visceral fat contributes to slower brain aging.
However, the researchers caution that the study does not prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship, and reducing visceral fat may not guarantee prevention of memory loss or age-related brain atrophy. They also noted that the majority of participants were men, which could affect the applicability of the findings to other populations. The study emphasized that standard scales and waist measurements cannot accurately determine visceral fat levels, requiring specialized methods like MRI for assessment.