How Obesity Weighs on the Brain

Much has been said about the general health implications of obesity, but fewer of us are aware of the effect that being overweight can have on our cognition. Today we’re revealing why some of us struggle to keep a healthy weight, and discussing the changes that occur in the brain when we become obese.

What’s different about the brain of an obese person?

It’s easy to reduce issues with weight to a lack of self-control, but there’s often a lot more to it than that. And a lot of that is to do with what’s happening within the brain. For example, did you know that very overweight and obese people often have significant brain differences that cause them to be more likely to struggle with overeating?

SPECT, or single-photon emission computerized tomography brain scans have revealed five key brain patterns that can lead to issues around weight management. The types include:

1.  Compulsive Overeaters, who often show a notable increase within the ACG, or anterior cingulate gyrus, which is commonly triggered by reduced serotonin levels.

2.  Impulsive Overeaters, who often show a lower than usual level of activity within the PFC, or prefrontal cortex.

3.  Impulsive-Compulsive Overeaters, who can demonstrate a mixture of both 1 and 2 - increased activity in the ACG, and reduced activity in the PFC.

4.  Emotional Overeaters, who often present with disproportionate activity within the limbic system.

5.  Anxious Overeaters, for whom higher levels of activity within the basal ganglia is frequently seen.

The impact of obesity on the brain

One of the most worrying effects of obesity is its casual relationship with systemic neuroinflammation. This can lead to material changes in the structure of the brain itself.

Physical brain changes

Your white matter is largely made up of nerve projections, such as glial cells and axons, and your gray matter contains your neurons. People who are significantly overweight have been recorded as having a reduction in volume of both of these important functional regions.

One study noted the undeniable link between obesity and reduced blood flow to the brain. It showed a clear correlation between lower levels of blood flow to the brain and a higher BMI, or body mass index. This reduction in blood flow was seen in the hippocampus, the temporal lobes, the parietal lobes, the posterior cingulate, and the precuneus.

So what does all of this mean in real terms?

An increased risk of dementia

The changes that occur within the brains of obese people put them at a higher risk of age-related brain degeneration. This means a much greater chance of early-onset dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. These risks become higher in cases of people who are very overweight in midlife. In fact, one study concluded that there was around a potential increase of 10 years to the ‘brain age’ of obese middle-aged people.

Untreated weight issues can also contribute to a number of additional problems, including a decline in executive function and a plethora of mental health issues.

Although more research is required, the results so far have been clear: the more overweight a person is, the more severely their brain is impacted.

If you're looking to improve your overall health and reduce your risk of these conditions, consider signing up for coaching to learn about the brain health implications of obesity. A brain health coach can provide you with personalized guidance and strategies to help you maintain a healthy weight and optimize your brain health. Don't let obesity compromise your brain health – take action today and enroll in coaching to start your journey towards a healthier, happier you!