Health Facts: Is It Time to Shed a Few Pounds?

Two lesser-known but important health facts related to excess weight:

1. Impact on Cognitive Function and Brain Health:

Excess weight, particularly obesity, has been linked to changes in brain structure and function, which may affect cognitive abilities. Research suggests that individuals with obesity have a higher risk of developing conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease later in life. This is partly due to the chronic inflammation and insulin resistance caused by excess body fat, which can negatively impact brain health. Additionally, obesity is associated with reduced brain volume in regions related to memory and executive function, even in middle-aged adults.

2. Connection Between Excess Weight and Hormonal Imbalance:

Carrying excess weight can disrupt the delicate balance of hormones in the body. Fat cells, particularly in visceral fat (around the abdomen), produce hormones like leptin, which regulates hunger and fat storage. When there is too much fat, the body can become resistant to leptin, leading to difficulty recognizing when it’s full, which may increase overeating. Excess weight also increases estrogen levels, which can affect reproductive health in both men and women, and elevate the risk of hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast and ovarian cancer in women, and prostate cancer in men.

Source: ChatGPT