Consumers’ body weight could affect brain function, study finds

*Obesity can decrease blood flow to brain and increase risk of mental health problems or Alzehimer’s

*Researchers hope findings inspire more widespread efforts that promote healthier habits

Emmanuel Akosile | ConsumerConnect

As recent studies have highlighted the physical health risks associated with obesity, a new study is also exploring how obesity can affect consumers’ brain function.

According to researchers say obesity can decrease blood flow to the brain and increase the risk of mental health problems or Alzehimer’s, says agency report.

Researcher Dr. Daniel G. Amen said: “This study shows that being overweight or obese seriously impacts brain activity and increases the risk for Alzheimer’s disease as well as many other psychiatric and cognitive conditions.”

With regard to the link between weight and the brain, report indicates that to better understand how consumers’ weight could affect their brain function, the researchers analysed brain scans from over 17,000 participants. In total, they looked at more than 35,000 images.

ConsumerConnect learnt that the study was designed to measure the participants’ overall brain function and blood flow throughout the brain, and examine if a link existed between those numbers and participants’ weight.

They explained that poor blood flow to specific regions of the brain increases consumers’ risk of developing Alzheimer’s, regardless of body weight.

It highlighted the fact that both decreased blood flow to the brain and obesity only increased the risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

This finding was true for both older and younger participants. Though many consumers associate Alzheimer’s with old age, the researchers found that excess body weight affects overall brain function in consumers of all ages; those risks are simply elevated as consumers get older, stated the report.

Similarly, that lack of proper blood flow to the brain can increase the likelihood of mental health issues.

The study found that addiction, depression, bipolar disorder, and several other serious conditions are more likely when the brain isn’t functioning optimally.

As a result of the prevalent obesity, mental health concerns, and Alzheimer’s disease in consumers, the researchers hope that these findings inspire more widespread efforts that promote healthier habits.

With the right interventions, consumers can live longer and healthier lives.

“One of the most important lessons we have learned through 30 years of performing functional brain imaging studies is that brains can be improved when you put them in a healing environment by adopting brain-healthy habits, such as a healthy calorie-smart diet and regular exercise,” said Dr. Amen.