Reduced quality of life, decreases in heart health…these are the negative outcomes we’ve come to expect and associate with obesity. But as if that weren’t enough, groundbreaking new research published in August of 2020 shows that our weight can even impact how our brain functions. That’s some pretty terrifying stuff right there. Makes me want to leap up and start doing jumping jacks.
The study was published after peer review in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease on August 4th by leading mental health experts from brain health Amen Clinics, Johns Hopkins, UC Irvine, and Thomas Jefferson University. Why in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, you ask? Well, because the results from this study show that obesity and increased BMI (body mass index) are associated with decreased blood flow across virtually ALL brain regions, increasing risk for development of Alzheimer’s disease, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, traumatic brain injury, addiction, suicide, and other conditions. That’s right – after conducting 35,442 brain scans across 17,721 adults, the researchers found significant associations between higher BMI and decreased cerebral blood flow; the number one imaging predictor that a person will develop Alzheimer’s.
Considering that more than 42% of Americans are obese, this is distressing news. But in the words of study lead author Dr. Amen, “One of the most important lessons we have learned through 30 years of performing functional brain imaging studies is that brains can be improved when you put them in a healing environment by adopting brain-healthy habits, such as a healthy calorie-smart diet and regular exercise.”
If you’re also terrified at the prospect of damaging that big beautiful brain of yours, check out the HealthyWager. It’s an individual weight loss challenge customized to you, so you can lose lbs and increase that cerebral blood flow! You pick your weight loss goal, the timeframe you want to lose it in, and prize (up to $10,000)! Ready to get started? Enter your information in the HealthyWage Prize Calculator to find out how much you can win! You can also shop premium products to help you on your weight loss journey through the HW Store!
