Neurological consequences of obesity

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Metabolic Disorders
• Public Health

Background:

• Obesity presents a substantial global health challenge with significant medical, social, and economic consequences.
• Obesity-induced metabolic dysfunction, inflammation, and dyslipidemia contribute to diverse health disorders, including neurological effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the multifaceted impact of obesity on the central and peripheral nervous systems.
• To review the neurological complications associated with obesity and potential interventions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating obesity's effects on neurological structure and function.
• Analysis of research on the role of the hypothalamus and hippocampus in obesity-related cognitive and metabolic changes.
• Examination of autonomic and sensory-somatic nervous system alterations in obesity.

Main Results:

• Obesity is linked to central nervous system changes, including mild cognitive impairment due to hippocampal alterations.
• Hypothalamic dysfunction in obesity can disrupt whole-body energy balance, potentially initiating weight gain.
• Peripheral nervous system complications include autonomic dysfunction and sensory-somatic polyneuropathy, common in diabetes.

Conclusions:

• Obesity profoundly affects both central and peripheral nervous systems, leading to cognitive and functional deficits.
• Pharmacotherapy and bariatric surgery show promise for improving neurological function in individuals with obesity.
• Lifestyle interventions, including diet and exercise, remain the primary strategy for managing obesity and mitigating its neurological risks.