A recent study presented at the upcoming RSNA meeting has found that carrying excess belly fat in midlife is connected to a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
In the new study led by Dr. Mahsa Dolatshahi, high belly (visceral) fat was also found to be associated with increased inflammation in the brain, and the risk of Alzheimer’s was more prominent in men than in women.
“Even though there have been other studies linking body mass index with brain atrophy or even a higher dementia risk, no prior study has linked a specific type of fat to the actual Alzheimer’s disease protein in cognitively normal people,” Dolatshahi said in a statement released November 20 by the RSNA.
The study suggested that reducing belly fat may reduce Alzheimer’s risk in an individual.
Taylor Wilson, a nutrition and exercise expert and founder of Active Recovery Companions, speaking to Medical News Today, said “One strategy that has been proven effective in reducing belly fat is engaging in regular aerobic exercise.”
“When you engage in aerobic exercise, your body burns calories, including those stored in the belly area,” he added.
“Over time, this calorie burn can lead to overall weight loss and a reduction in belly fat. Additionally, aerobic exercise has been shown to have a more significant impact on belly fat reduction compared to resistance training alone.”
Taking Wegovy has also been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for weight loss.
