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‘Pear-shape’ and obesity linked to reduced brain function
14th July 2010
Research has suggested that increased weight and a particular body shape in older women have a negative impact on memory function. The findings identify excess hip weight – a ‘pear-shaped’ figure – has a particularly pronounced effect.
The extensive study featured 8745 women aged 65 to 79, described as cognitively normal. They were scored on the 100-point Modified Mini-Mental Status Examination, with the results revealing a one point score reduction for every point increase in BMI. The study controlled for other health variables, such as diabetes and stroke.
Pear-shaped women experienced more memory and brain function deterioration than others. The researchers suggest this was due to the type of fat deposited around the hips versus the waist, and cite cytokines, hormones released by the predominant fat in the body, as causing inflammation which might in turn affect cognition.
Rebecca Wood, chief executive of the Alzheimer’s Research Trust, said:
“The pear-shape is incredibly common, and while this study doesn’t explain fully the link between body shape and brain function, it surely makes the case for watching the scales. There is little we can do about our natural body shape, but a lot we can do about our weight. With so much evidence of the dangers of obesity, we could all do well to consider sensible lifestyle changes to keep our weight in check.
“Research is the only answer to dementia, yet funding pales in comparison to that invested in other serious diseases. 820,000 people live with dementia in the UK, a figure set to increase massively unless we act now.”
Pear-shaped women experienced more memory and brain function deterioration than others. The researchers suggest this was due to the type of fat deposited around the hips versus the waist, and cite cytokines, hormones released by the predominant fat in the body, as causing inflammation which might in turn affect cognition.
Rebecca Wood, chief executive of the Alzheimer’s Research Trust, said:
“The pear-shape is incredibly common, and while this study doesn’t explain fully the link between body shape and brain function, it surely makes the case for watching the scales. There is little we can do about our natural body shape, but a lot we can do about our weight. With so much evidence of the dangers of obesity, we could all do well to consider sensible lifestyle changes to keep our weight in check.
“Research is the only answer to dementia, yet funding pales in comparison to that invested in other serious diseases. 820,000 people live with dementia in the UK, a figure set to increase massively unless we act now.”
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