Central Obesity and the Aging Brain

This study examined the link between abdominal obesity, measured by waist-hip ratio (WHR), and brain health in older adults. Higher WHR was associated with reduced hippocampal volume, a key brain area for memory, and increased white matter hyperintensities, linked to cognitive decline and dementia. These associations remained significant even after controlling for factors like BMI, cholesterol, and blood pressure. The findings suggest that abdominal fat contributes to brain aging through metabolic, vascular, and inflammatory pathways, underscoring the need to address central obesity for cognitive health.

To protect brain health, adopt lifestyle changes like regular physical activity, a healthy diet low in processed foods, and weight management to reduce abdominal fat. These measures can improve metabolic and vascular health, minimizing risks to brain structures critical for memory and cognition.