Study finds link between obesity and smaller brainsApril 27, 2019 - 12:06 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The more that scientists look into obesity, the more they realise its implications appear to reach far beyond the well-known effects on physiological health. The brain also looks to be significantly affected in obese people, although the science on cause and effect remains far from clear. What isn't disputed is that brain 'shrink' and obesity has a worrying link, and new findings only serve to cement that association. An MRI analysis of over 12,000 adults who took part in the UK Biobank study shows higher levels of body fat are linked to changes in the brain's form and structure, including having a reduced amount of grey matter – the neuron-rich mass responsible for processing much of our cognitive activity. "We found that having higher levels of fat distributed over the body is associated with smaller volumes of important structures of the brain, including grey matter structures that are located in the centre of the brain," says radiologist Ilona A. Dekkers from Leiden University Medical Centre in the Netherlands. These findings are similar to results published in January by a different team of researchers who also sourced data from the BioBank cohort, and found carrying extra belly fat was linked to a worrying amount of 'brain shrink' among the participants. In the new study, which looked at people aged 45–76 years old (with an average age of 62), the researchers found the nature of the associations was different for men and women. In men, a higher total body fat percentage was linked with lower grey matter volume overall, including the structures of the thalamus and hippocampus, but excluding the amygdala. In women, higher body fat was only associated with reduced volume in one part of the grey matter – the globus pallidus, a part of the brain associated with voluntary movement. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Pasadena to host Armenian Genocide commemoration event The Pasadena Armenian Coalition will host its community-wide Armenian Genocide Commemorative Event. Armenia: Opposition activist transferred to Investigative Committee Activist Samvel Vardanyan has been accused of insulting the lawmaker Hakob Aslanyan from the ruling Civil Contract party. Former Pashinyan envoy urges end to Genocide speculation Marukyan has urged authorities in Armenia stop discussions about verifying the names of 1.5 million victims. Azerbaijan, Jordan sign deal on defense cooperation Azerbaijan and Jordan have signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of defense, according to an official statement. |