Is Brain Function Related To Excess Weight?

Is there a connection between your weight and your brain function?  It’s certainly an interesting topic and some recent studies may show that this is true.

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society (July 14, 2010) is the first to link excess weight in women to poorer memory and brain function.

It appears that excess weight in women causes a change in the brains ability to function at its maximum potential, leading to memory loss.

The big question is, “Why?”

I believe the answer to this may be related to the insulin resistance process or the fat cells themselves.

Insulin resistance causes a change in the cells ability to intake blood sugar.  This causes higher levels of blood sugar (glucose) and increased levels of insulin in the blood.  This may effect the brain cells ability to work correctly.

Another possibility is related to the fat cells themselves.  As fat cells enlarge they produce more hormones that cause inflammation.  This chronic inflammation can cause changes in the brain cells ability to function properly.

Certainly there is more to come on this subject.  But, you need to understand this.  With the new research that is coming out, it certainly appears that increased weight causes long term changes in memory.

SQ

Tagged as: insulin resistance, memory loss, weight gain