Summary: A new study finds that high cumulative BMI is linked to smaller brain volume, increased white matter lesions, and abnormal brain structure. These negative effects are especially pronounced in adults under 45 and over 60. Maintaining a BMI below 26.2 is recommended for optimal brain health.
Key Facts:
- High BMI throughout life is linked to smaller brain volume.
- Cumulative high BMI is particularly harmful for younger and older adults.
- Maintaining a healthy BMI is crucial for preserving brain health.
Source: Health Data Science
A recent study published in Health Data Science, a Science Partner Journal, reveals the significant impact of high cumulative body mass index (BMI) on brain health.
The research, led by Associate Professor Han Lv from Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, found that high BMI is associated with smaller brain volume, larger white matter lesions, and abnormal microstructural integrity.
The study analyzed data from a 16-year population-based cohort to investigate the effects of cumulative BMI on neuroimaging features in adults aged 25 to 83 years. Researchers discovered that high BMI was linked to smaller brain volume and larger volumes of white matter hyperintensity (WMH), particularly in adults younger than 45 years and those older than 60 years.
“High cumulative BMI is detrimental to brain health, especially for younger adults under 45 years, where it corresponds to approximately 12 years of brain aging,” said Associate Professor Han Lv. “Maintaining a BMI below 26.2 kg/m² is suggested for better brain health.”
The study utilized a generalized linear model to evaluate the association between cumulative BMI and various neuroimaging features, including brain macrostructure, white matter integrity, and brain microstructure. Additionally, Mendelian randomization analysis was performed to establish causal relationships using genetic data.
The results indicated that high BMI is causally linked to smaller gray matter volume and increased fractional anisotropy in certain brain regions, highlighting the importance of maintaining a healthy BMI throughout adulthood to preserve brain health.
“This research provides crucial insights into the relationship between BMI and brain health, emphasizing the need for public health strategies to control BMI for better neurological outcomes,” concluded Associate Professor Han Lv. “Future studies should focus on acquiring longitudinal neuroimaging data to further explore these associations.”
About this weight and neuroscience research news
Author: Yu Yang
Source: Health Data Science
Contact: Yu Yang – Health Data Science
Image: The image is credited to Neuroscience News
Original Research: Open access.
“Association between Body Mass Index and Brain Health in Adults: A 16-Year Population-Based Cohort and Mendelian Randomization Study” by Han Lv et al. Health Data Science
Abstract
Association between Body Mass Index and Brain Health in Adults: A 16-Year Population-Based Cohort and Mendelian Randomization Study
Background: The cumulative effect of body mass index (BMI) on brain health remains ill-defined. The effects of overweight on brain health across different age groups need clarification. We analyzed the effect of cumulative BMI on neuroimaging features of brain health in adults of different ages.
Methods: This study was based on a multicenter, community-based cohort study. We modeled the trajectories of BMI over 16 years to evaluate cumulative exposure. Multimodality neuroimaging data were collected once for volumetric measurements of the brain macrostructure, white matter hyperintensity (WMH), and brain microstructure.
We used a generalized linear model to evaluate the association between cumulative BMI and neuroimaging features. Two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis was performed using summary level of BMI genetic data from 681,275 individuals and neuroimaging genetic data from 33,224 individuals to analyze the causal relationships.
Results: Clinical and neuroimaging data were obtained from 1,074 adults (25 to 83 years). For adults aged under 45 years, brain volume differences in participants with a cumulative BMI of >26.2 kg/m2 corresponded to 12.0 years [95% confidence interval (CI), 3.0 to 20.0] of brain aging. Differences in WMH were statistically substantial for participants aged over 60 years, with a 6.0-ml (95% CI, 1.5 to 10.5) larger volume. Genetic analysis indicated causal relationships between high BMI and smaller gray matter and higher fractional anisotropy in projection fibers.
Conclusion: High cumulative BMI is associated with smaller brain volume, larger volume of white matter lesions, and abnormal microstructural integrity. Adults younger than 45 years are suggested to maintain their BMI below 26.2 kg/m2 for better brain health.
Trial Registration: This study was registered on clinicaltrials.gov (Clinical Indicators and Brain Image Data: A Cohort Study Based on Kailuan Cohort; No. NCT05453877;
