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Association of Body Fat Distribution Patterns at MRI with Brain Structure, Cognition, and Neurologic Diseases
Miao Yu1,2, Libin Yao3, Sanjeev Shahi1
1Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 99 W Huaihai Rd, Xuzhou, China 221006.
Radiology
|January 27, 2026
Summary
Specific body fat distribution patterns, like pancreatic-predominant and skinny-fat, are linked to negative brain health outcomes. This research highlights how where fat is stored impacts brain structure, cognition, and neurological disease risk.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging and Radiology
- Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders
- Neurology and Cognitive Science
Background:
- Obesity significantly impacts brain structure and cognition, but the specific effects of varying fat distribution patterns remain unclear.
- Understanding how different adiposity patterns influence neurological health is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify distinct body fat distribution patterns using MRI and latent profile analysis (LPA).
- To investigate the associations between these identified fat distribution profiles and brain structure, cognitive function, and neurological disease risk.
Main Methods:
- Utilized prospective data from the UK Biobank, including brain, heart, and abdominal MRI scans and health records.
- Employed latent profile analysis (LPA) on eight BMI-adjusted MRI-derived fat metrics to classify fat distribution profiles.
- Analyzed differences in brain volume, white matter integrity, cognition, and neurologic disease risk across profiles, stratified by sex.
Main Results:
- Identified six distinct body fat distribution profiles in both sexes, including 'pancreatic-predominant' and 'skinny-fat' patterns.
- The pancreatic-predominant and skinny-fat profiles were significantly associated with gray matter atrophy, increased white matter hyperintensities, and accelerated brain aging compared to a lean profile.
- These adverse fat distribution patterns correlated with cognitive decline and an elevated risk of developing neurologic diseases.
Conclusions:
- Latent profile analysis effectively revealed heterogeneous body fat distribution patterns.
- Pancreatic-predominant and skinny-fat distribution patterns are specifically linked to detrimental neurologic outcomes, including brain structural changes and increased disease risk.
- Fat distribution, beyond overall BMI, is a critical factor influencing brain health and neurological disease susceptibility.
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