If you are like most people, you already know that obesity is the root cause of many chronic health conditions, which makes it the 2nd leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Carrying too much excess weight can lead to type 2 diabetes, hypertension, issues with joints and mobility, and can increase your risk for heart issues, stroke, and many different kinds of cancer.

What many people do not know is that there is a link between obesity and dementia. Today we are going to talk about this, as well as about Alzheimer's and obesity and how carrying excess weight can impact an individual's brain in the long term.

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What Does It Mean To Be Obese?

Excessive fat accumulation that endangers an individual’s health is classified as overweight or obesity. When a person’s BMI exceeds 25, the CDC considers them overweight, but those with BMI numbers over 30 are classified as obese. BMI levels over 30 are further broken down into classes, including:

• Class 1 obesity: BMI between 30 and 34.9;
• Class 2 obesity: BMI between 35 and 39.9;
• Class 3 obesity: BMI between 40 and 49.9;
• Class 4 obesity: BMI between 50 and 59.9;
• Class 5 obesity: BMI 60 or above.

What Is Dementia?

Dementia is a word that is used to loosely describe a collection of diseases that are not part of the normal aging process and result in reduced mental functioning like clear thinking, remembering things, and reasoning. It is caused by damage to the nerve cells in the brain, and the symptoms the affected individual experiences depends on the part of the brain that is damaged. There are different types of dementia, with Alzheimer’s being the most well-known.

Research Shows A Connection Between Obesity And Dementia

Research surrounding the link between obesity and dementia is ongoing, but a study done by University College in London did determine there is a connection between the two.

They studied data on over 6,500 people from the ELSA study (English Longitudinal Study of Aging) who were at least 50 years old and were of sound mind at the start of the study. They recorded each individual's body mass index (BMI) and put them in categories of normal, overweight, or obese. They also noted their waist size, and they were categorized with central obesity if their waist size was above a certain threshold. (34.6 inches for women and 40.2 inches for men)

They followed these individuals' medical histories over a period of 15 years, and 453 of the individuals in the group developed dementia. They reported that the individuals who were obese at the start of the study were 34% more likely to experience dementia than those within a normal weight range. The risks were a bit more elevated for those who had health conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Additionally, those with abdominal obesity showed a 39% higher risk of developing dementia than those without belly fat.

How Does Obesity Contribute To Dementia?

A study published by Oxford University in 2020 looked at the link between the form of dementia known as Alzheimer's and obesity. The study pointed out that individuals who suffer from obesity have higher levels of the hormone leptin. The brain has leptin receptors in different areas, including:

• Hypothalamus which helps control hunger, thirst, body temperature, sleep, and the release of hormones that help maintain emotional balance;
• The cerebral cortex is responsible for thinking, memory, reasoning, problem-solving, language, and decision-making. It also controls voluntary movements and processes sensory information like sight, hearing, and touch;
• The hippocampus is responsible for spatial memory, helping you to remember places and locations, as well as short-and long-term memory functions like forming new memories and connecting emotions to those memories. This area is often the first to be affected in individuals who develop Alzheimer's disease.

Leptin is produced by fat tissue, so individuals with obesity have higher levels of this hormone. Chronically increased leptin levels can lead to leptin resistance, meaning the brain stops responding properly to the leptin signals. This would explain why some of the first symptoms of dementia are memory and cognitive issues.

Additionally, according to the CDC, obesity-related conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure can also increase the likelihood of experiencing dementia. Diabetes can damage nerves, and high blood pressure can damage vessels and reduce blood flow to the brain, causing stroke or memory loss.

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Is Belly Fat Linked To Dementia?

The link between belly fat and dementia is a significant concern and the subject of ongoing research. Studies have found that people with more fat around their abdomen are more likely to develop dementia than those who carry their fat in other places on their body. Belly fat is more concerning because it surrounds your vital organs and secretes proteins called Adipokines that can trigger inflammation and may cause damage to your brain and lead to dementia.

What Can Be Done To Lower The Risk Of Dementia?

While more research is still necessary, it is clear that there is a connection between obesity and dementia, which includes Alzheimer's disease. To lower your risk of experiencing one of these serious conditions, it is important to maintain a healthy weight. It is critical to engage in regular physical activity and eat a healthy and well-balanced diet. Living a healthy lifestyle will not only lower your risk of cognitive decline but will also boost your energy level, elevate your mood, and enhance your quality of life.

How Can A Weight Loss Professional Help Me Lower My Risk For Alzheimer's Disease?

At Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Center, we understand that losing weight is not easy, and it is almost impossible for those who are already struggling with obesity. We can help you get your weight and your health back on track using proven strategies, non-surgical weight loss procedures, medication, and comprehensive support.

Maintaining a healthy weight lowers your risk of developing many different serious conditions, including those related to brain function and memory loss. Many individuals suffering from obesity who have lost weight have successfully eliminated their type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure issues, which also lowered their risk for dementia.

Set up a consultation today to learn more about how we can help you lose weight with a customized plan that considers your needs and circumstances. We would love to tell you about Suture Sculpt ESG and how it can make your weight loss journey easier and does not require surgery or a hospital stay. Reach out to us today and let’s talk about working together to help you improve your health so you can live your best life!

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