Expert Warns that Obesity will Age Brain & Lead to Cognitive Dysfunction

New Studies Show That Being Overweight Ages Brain 10 Years & Slows Brain Function. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) August 29, 2016 - We all know that being overweight or obese has many adverse health implications, from heart disease and stroke to diabetes and even depression. But new studies show that the brains of overweight people appear 10 years older than leaner individuals. What does that mean?

According to board-certified bariatric surgeon and weight loss expert Hooman Shabatian, M.D, medical director of West Medical, as brains age they lose white matter, which is responsible for the transmission of information. He says that the study implies that overweight individuals are more prone to cognitive deficits ranging from problems with language to delayed memory.

The recent Cambridge University study found the connection between white brain loss and weight gain. Since the phenomenon seems to occur from middle-age onwards, it suggests that our brains may be particularly vulnerable during this period of aging.

"White matter is like the freeway system of the brain, connecting different regions to one another," said Shabatian, who said that an overweight 50-year-old's brain better resembles that of a lean 60-year-old. "Now imagine if the system collapses or isn't built properly so that access to these disconnected regions becomes problematic if not impossible? When the different regions cannot communicate with each other, this restricts one's ability to carry out the functions of everyday life.
"While it is not conclusive whether or not weight loss can reverse these changes, we know that it does improve the overall health of those who are overweight or obese," he said. "We look forward to future studies exploring the effects of weight, diet and exercise on the brain and memory."

West Medical has emerged as Southern California's leading weight loss medical practice. Their teams of physicians are adept at performing a range of state-of-the-art procedures. To reserve your spot at an upcoming seminar or for more information about West Medical and treatments offered, visit westmedical.com or call 855-525-6237. For updates on weight loss and other health-related matters, "Like" West Medical on Facebook - www.facebook.com/WestMedical/, Instagram - ( @ ) west dot medical and Twitter - ( @ ) West_medical.

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