A recent study indicates that excess fat in specific areas of the human body may increase the risk of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Published in the journal Neurology, the research connects higher body fat levels in the arms and abdomen to a greater likelihood of developing these illnesses.
Additionally, the study reveals that individuals with increased muscle strength have a lower risk for these diseases.
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According to study lead author Shishi Xu from the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism at West China Hospital of Sichuan University, “The main takeaway from our results is that body composition and cardiovascular health could be vital targets for preventing neurodegenerative diseases.”
The study identified that individuals with higher belly fat had a 13% increased risk of developing neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s compared to those with lesser amounts.
Excess fat in selective areas of the body could heighten susceptibility to neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, as per a recent study. (iStock)
Participants with greater arm fat had an 18% higher risk of these diseases.
Furthermore, those with robust muscle strength were 26% less likely to encounter such conditions when compared to those with lower levels of strength, according to Xu.
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Cardiovascular risk also plays a role, she indicated.
“Experiencing unfavorable body composition patterns, like belly fat, raises your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, which subsequently boosts the likelihood of future neurodegenerative diseases,” Xu explained.
High levels of body fat in both arms and belly corresponded to an increased risk of neurological conditions. (iStock)
Conversely, proactively addressing cardiovascular diseases after the emergence of adverse body composition patterns may reduce future neurodegenerative disease risk by 10.7% to 35.3%.
Dr. James Galvin, who directs the Comprehensive Center for Brain Health at the University of Miami Health System, was not part of the study but expressed that its findings were in line with existing research.
“Body composition and cardiovascular diseases may be potential targets for preventing neurodegenerative diseases.”
“This aligns with a growing body of literature indicating a reciprocal relationship between brain health and physical condition,” he remarked to Fox News Digital.
“Diminished muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia), coupled with an increase in body fat, especially visceral fat, are both recognized risk factors for cognitive decline.”
Potential limitations
In observational studies like this one, differentiating between correlation and causation can be challenging, Xu noted.
“Even though we’ve made considerable efforts in establishing a causal relationship, we acknowledge the potential for residual reverse causation to skew our results,” she shared with Fox News Digital.
Taking measures to improve body composition may prove to be more effective for preventing neurological diseases than general weight management, researchers suggested. (iStock)
While the study indicates body composition and cardiovascular health might be vital in preventing neurodegenerative diseases, Xu highlighted that more proof is necessary to establish these as causal risk factors.
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Galvin noted another significant limitation in the study was its lack of diversity in the sample population.
“This is regrettable, as obesity serves as a critical risk factor in many minority communities, and our own research has shown that physical frailty mediates cognitive decline in older African American adults,” he remarked.
Recommended lifestyle modifications
Given the findings, researchers advocate for strategies focused on achieving healthier body composition — such as decreasing abdominal and arm fat while enhancing muscle development — rather than merely aiming for overall weight loss.
“Lifestyle changes like participating in resistance training, minimizing sedentary behavior, and following a balanced diet can effectively decrease abdominal fat and boost muscle strength, potentially providing better neuroprotective advantages compared to weight-centric anti-obesity treatments,” Xu noted.
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The researchers further indicated that managing cardiovascular health early on may help lower the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
The focus on quality and distribution of muscle and fat, rather than just total weight, is more critical for health, according to the researchers. (iStock)
The distribution and quality of muscle and fat is more significant for your health than merely focusing on total weight, Xu explained.
“In recent times, the prevalent use and abuse of weight-loss drugs has led to excessive concern over general weight, often overshadowing the essential role of various body components,” she asserted.
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The significance of muscle strength is frequently overlooked, she added.
“Our study findings emphasize the importance of enhancing muscle strength, which could potentially provide neuroprotective benefits,” she concluded.
The researchers found that enhancing muscle strength is crucial and may offer neuroprotective advantages. (iStock)
“Thus, it is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle and improve muscle strength.”
Galvin concurred, advising that efforts should focus on reducing body fat while preserving skeletal muscle through a regimen of resistance and flexibility training and nutritional changes.
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In conclusion, the doctor remarked, “As we gain insights into the influence of lifestyle on brain health and disease risk, it becomes increasingly clear that numerous strategies exist to enhance brain health as we get older.”
