Obesity and Alzheimer’s

Many studies have shown that weight loss can improve your health by helping reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. Recent research on Alzheimer’s disease has identified yet another reason to stay slim. According to this study, an elevated body mass index (BMI) in middle age can heighten your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease later in life. These researchers collected data from more than 8,500 Swedish twins that were 65 and older. Participants were grouped by BMI into four categories: underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. Those that fell within the overweight and obese categories had a risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or dementia that was 80 percent higher than their underweight or normal weight counterparts. The study also found that only 26% of those with no dementia were overweight in midlife, whereas 39% of participants who received a dementia diagnosis had been overweight in the past. This correlation between weight and dementia was also observed in individuals that were obese in middle age. Twice as many of these obese participants were eventually diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. These conclusions remained valid even after the scientists accounted for other factors that could influence their findings, such as education, diabetes and vascular disease.

This study adds to the long list of compelling studies that associate a normal BMI with a longer and healthier life. North Miami residents can take advantage of the many health benefits that come with a slim physique by taking steps to lose excess pounds. For people that cannot reach a healthy body weight through diet and exercise alone, bariatric surgery may be a good option. If you struggle with weight loss, there are many weight surgery options available that may be able to help you achieve your health goals.