Study Links Body Fat Distribution to Accelerated Brain Aging in Adults
A study published in Nature Mental Health has revealed that the distribution of body fat significantly influences brain structure, function, and cognitive performance in middle-aged and older adults. The research, led by Anqi Qiu of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, analyzed data from over 18,000 UK Biobank participants. It found that visceral fat, which is stored around internal organs, releases inflammatory chemicals linked to neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. In contrast, limb fat has been considered protective in some contexts. The study used advanced imaging techniques to assess brain health and found that different fat depots are associated with distinct patterns of neurological change. Visceral fat was particularly damaging, showing strong links to deterioration in the brain's white matter.