For years we have been informing our Strength community of the dangers of having excess belly fat. Excessive waist circumference is associated with health risks such as Type II Diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and insulin resistance. Now, according to a study published this week in the Annals of Neurology, you can add the risk of dementia to the list. In an analysis of 733 middle-aged men and women, researchers at the Boston University School of Medicine found that not only was higher body mass index (BMI) associated with reduced total brain volume — which previous research has linked to dementia risk — but that the correlation was even more pronounced among individuals with belly fat, or high concentrations of fat around their organs.

What’s more, the researchers noted that, independent of total body weight, the association between belly fat and decreased brain volume persisted. The study adds to earlier research suggesting a link between obesity and dementia risk, including a 2008 study published in the journal Neurology that found that individuals who had higher amounts of belly fat in their 40s were more likely to exhibit signs of cognitive decline as they got older.

This latest study included 733 men and women with an average age of 60. Nearly three quarters of the study population (70%) was female. While the study authors conclude that more research is vital to understanding the relationship between obesity — and more specifically belly fat — on dementia risk, the preliminary findings indicate that having a big belly may have a broad range of negative health effects.

“Our data suggests between central obesity, particularly abdominal obesity, and risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.” Sudha Seshadri, lead author and a researcher at the Boston University School of Medicine

While much has been done to help stem the tide of obesity in our community, we have failed to accomplish the goal. As of 2010, eight out of ten Americans over the age of 25 are now overweight, and this is rising fast. Since 1990, there has been a 76% increase in Type II diabetes in adults over 30. Something needs to be done, and we need to act fast if we are going to save ourselves and our children from the perils of this deadly condition.

At Santa Rosa Strength and Wellness we have the Optimal Health Choice Program to help individuals with their weight loss goals, and we have been very successful with this program. If you, or someone you care about is in need of an excellent program designed to be a solution to this growing problem, please contact us at :

Santa Rosa Strength and Wellness

707-539-2000

wes@santarosastrength.com

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