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Does obesity put your brain at risk?
Anfal Al-Dalaeen1, Hayder Al-Domi2
1Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, 11931, Jordan.
Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome
|March 5, 2022
Summary
Obesity negatively impacts brain structure, function, and cognition, leading to neuroinflammation and cognitive deficits. Further research is needed to identify therapeutic targets for treating obesity-related brain changes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Metabolic Disorders
- Brain Health
Background:
- Obesity's detrimental effects on the brain are a growing clinical concern.
- Evidence links obesity to alterations in brain morphology, function, and cognitive abilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and summarize the scientific evidence connecting obesity with brain morphology, function, and cognition.
Main Methods:
- A critical review of English articles published between 2008 and 2022.
- Searches were conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct.
- Studies involving experimental interventions related to high-fat diets or body weight were included.
Main Results:
- Obesity causes brain dysfunction through neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and altered gut-brain hormonal signaling.
- These effects can lead to diminished hippocampal size, impaired cognitive function, and disrupted metabolism.
- Brain structure and function changes associated with obesity can occur even in children and adults.
Conclusions:
- Brain disease is intrinsically linked to obesity, necessitating better recognition for therapeutic strategies.
- Additional research is required to pinpoint optimal treatment targets and assess the reversibility of these brain changes.
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