Dietary strategies targeting the interplay between obesity and neurodegenerative disease pathogenesis

Obesity is a well-established risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases. Hypothalamic regulation of food intake, mediated by anorexigenic and orexigenic neurons, plays a pivotal role in determining obesity prevalence. Emerging evidence reveals shared pathological mechanisms between obesity and neurodegeneration, including oxidative stress, insulin resistance, dysregulated cytokine signaling, and chronic inflammation. However, the precise interactions between these conditions remain poorly understood. Diet is instrumental in modulating both obesity and neurodegenerative diseases, with specific nutrient-based dietary patterns significantly influencing their prevention and progression. This review explores the bidirectional relationship between obesity and neurodegeneration, highlighting the contribution of obesity-driven pathological changes to key neurodegenerative conditions. Notably, neuroinflammation serves as a pivotal mediator in this link. By examining common molecular pathways, this review evaluates the effects of both healthy and unhealthy dietary patterns on obesity-related neurodegeneration. Finally, this review discusses the potential of targeted dietary interventions in alleviating obesity-associated cognitive decline.