Obesity Found to Decrease Brain Mass in Older Adults
Sep. 8, 2009
Author: Valerie Hagan
Posted in ,

Researchers from UCLA and the University of Pittsburgh have found more support for the benefits of exercise on dementia.

They found that older, overweight and obese adults with high body mass index (BMI) ratings had significantly smaller brains than those of a healthier weight. The decrease in brain size was visible in the parts of the brain important for planning and memory and made the brains of these individuals appear about 16 years older than their actual age.

Blood flow is part of the reason why exercise seems to benefit brain health. To keep the brain healthy, it needs ample oxygen which comes from a continuous supply of blood. The more sedentary a person is, the slower the blood flow to the brain. This can cause mini strokes in the brain that a person may not feel physically.

If you find it hard to make exercise a habit, start small and work towards exercising 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. To jump-start your exercise routine, consider:

  • Scheduling a time to meet up with friends for a morning or evening walk/jog
  • Joining a dance class
  • Creating an exercise log and put it in a place where you’ll see it often and be reminded of your progress
It is never too late to start. An active lifestyle has been shown to improve the health of people with many chronic conditions. If you do not have a chronic condition, adding exercise to your daily routine is one preventive step you can take to support healthy aging.

Exercise provides many health benefits, as long as you know what is safe for your body. Always discuss any exercise plans you develop with your health care provider.

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Comments on Obesity Found to Decrease Brain Mass in Older Adults

Obesity is indeed a grave concern among people. Aprt from the so called effects on the brain, it also comes with a string of other health problems. Therefore, one should intake a healthy and balanced diet.

From Marilynn Syrett on Nov. 27, 2009

I completely agree with the comment posted by Valerie Hagan its a nice blog i expect more blog like this with their symptoms & solution.Nice one

From Symptoms of Cough on Jan. 18, 2010

This is not surprising! As we age our body does begin to break down after all.
If we are obese and our blood is not circulating efficiently our brain will be slowly reducing in functionality and simply stated it, is dying. Information highlighting the importance of a balanced lifestyle is not necessarily the single solution for individuals that are obese, self abusive, or avoid the healthy lifestyle through exercise and good sleeping patterns. As these people are often suffering other symptoms of neglect, self worth,isolation, poverty and poor housing choices. It appears simple to recommend exercise and good eating habits to a person that is depressed, socially inept and often alone, however the holistic approach must be undertaken to build on all aspects of human behavior and needs that match the expectations and or abilities of the individual.

From Dr Fox on Mar. 22, 2010

Thanks for an interesting article. The issue of obesity is complex and not a simple solution. If there was we would not have this phenomenon throughout the western and now increasingly in eastern civilization. This article adds weight to the argument for a health balanced lifestyle, yet how we promote this message in a positive manner is the biggest question. Far too often the message is lost at the grass roots level and fear drives people to increased health issues and possible over eating.

From Radon Mitigation on Mar. 29, 2010

That is the 3 time I have read that exercise helps your brain when you are older. I am 23 right now, I have not gotten too far out of shape to not be able to recover from the damaging effects of doing nothing.

Thank you
Chad

From Chad Brower on May. 12, 2010

Another great article that reminds us the importance of a balanced approach towards a healthy eating and physical exercise routine. Gee, do we listen though? Some are motivated with out question, however, the increase in obesity in the western and in some areas of Asia, notably, Japan the message is not getting through the suffering brain.

From Frank on Sep. 13, 2010

Thanks for the great info

From alex john on Oct. 6, 2010

the information is really useful, where in its been really helpful for my work.

From kath on Oct. 14, 2010

Truly said, It is never too late to start. very informative article.
http://www.fightobesity.net/treatments-for-obesity.html

From ketty on Oct. 26, 2010

Mine is a classic case of the mind is willing but the body weak. Weak not in the physical sense so that makes it that both body and mind are weak. I always think I need to walk at least for half an hour at home and then I get so lazy; all plans are thrown to the wind. I really must start exercising and making sure that later on I do not become a liability for my family.

From Psychiatry Jobs on Nov. 10, 2010

Nice information.


Thanks.

From vitabing on Dec. 21, 2010

From my own experience, I think a lot of people have exercise binges. They'll feel out of shape or a little loose around the edges and then set up a strict diet and fitness regime which they will stick to for a month before going back to how they were.

I wish I could keep it little and often.

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From jackson on Apr. 14, 2011

It is not surprising to hear of this as people who are obese suffer from many body restrictions. It makes sense that the functioning of the brain would be affected too! Being overweight cause sluggish brain functioning and overtime, one should not be surprised that the brain reduces in size if not used to its capacity.

From Samuel Anderson on Apr. 25, 2011

I have started including small amounts of exercise into my daily routine. Here are some examples:

I use the stairs at work instead of the lift. This adds up to around 500-800 steps per day.

I cycle the short distance to work.

I do squats an lunges while I wait for the kettle to boil.

These don't take up any extra time in the day but they are really helping me get the extra exercise in.

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From Eccoshoes on May. 7, 2011

What this article is indicating is that fat also deposits in the brain. It makes sense and one that I will give great consideration to when discussing obesity.

From What this article on May. 29, 2011

This malady can be stopped with a single cure: DON'T EAT so much ! This is the only option to solve the problem.

From oferte cazare costinesti on Jul. 19, 2011

Obesity seems to be the problem for many other health problems, but decreasing bran mass?

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I do squats an lunges while I wait for the kettle to boil. I use the stairs at work instead of the lift. This adds up to around 500-800 steps per day. I cycle the short distance to work. These don't take up any extra time in the day but they are really helping me get the extra exercise in.

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