An Increased Risk Of Dementia With Obesity

An Established Link Between Obesity And Dementia

The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences published a study that suggested a gene linked to obesity may be associated to dementia also. Obese people in their late 40s have a 74% increased risk of developing dementia as compared to those with healthy weight.

A link between middle-age obesity and development of Alzheimer's disease has already been established by scientific studies. But a pattern of diminished brain volume has been noticed in a 3-D brain mapping of a number of elderly people. These people were also carriers of a specific type of gene known as fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene. Also, people with normal body mass index (BMI) can have decreased risk of dementia as compared to people with an elevated BMI.

Studies have shown that FTO gene can alter the function of leptin, a hormone that plays a significant role in appetite and metabolism. This gene can also increase the risk of diabetes and affect BMI. Collectively, these factors can be linked with the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's. In overweight people, a significant loss of 4% of tissues in the frontal lobes of the brain is noticed. But in case of obese people, the brain tissue loss was found to be 8%, which is twice as compared to overweight people. As a result, it makes the brains of obese people look 16 years older than those of normal weight people. Type II diabetes, one of the closely linked condition to obesity, can contribute to brain tissue loss due to increased level of insulin in the bloodstream, which affects neurons and blood vessels.

A top-down approach to weight loss

A top-down approach to weight loss is based on studying and understanding the root cause of obesity and the underlying issues that are contributing to it. A multifaceted approach can help you reach the goal of having a healthy mind and body along with an effective weight management. To get positive outcomes, it is necessary that we make healthy choices and take responsibility for our lives.

When we talk of weight loss, some people are at advantage. This is because each individual is biochemically unique and requires a proportionate amount of protein, carbohydrates, and fat. For some people certain dietary changes can help them achieve weight loss, while for others dieting alone may not help much. Processed foods, high-sugar foods, caffeinated drinks, saturated fats, and red meat must be avoided to sustain an effective weight management program.

Xenical is more than just weight loss

Obesity treatment with prescription weight loss pills can give you an effective weight loss when used in conjunction with regular exercise and balanced diet. Xenical is one of the slimming pills available on the market today that can help lose 5-10% of total body weight in 6-10 months' time. Scientific studies suggest that even 5% weight loss is significant for an individual who is overweight as it not only prevents a number of obesity-related health conditions, but also improves overall health. Orlistat, the active ingredient in Xenical, belongs to a class of drugs known as fat blockers. It can prevent absorption of up to 30% of dietary fats in the body. The unwanted fat is then excreted out of the body through bowel movements. In particular, Xenical works by inhibiting the action of lipase, an enzyme that breaks fats into smaller molecules in the stomach for absorption. This slimming pill is suitable for adults with a BMI of 30 and above. Also, people with a BMI of 27 or above, who are at a risk of serious health problems due to fat accumulation in their body, can take Xenical for weight loss.