Obesity and its long-term patterns significantly impact brain structure and cognitive function, according to groundbreaking research by Professor Anqi Qiu of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Global STEM Scholar.
While the connection between obesity and brain health is widely acknowledged, the long-term effects of different obesity trajectories on brain aging and cognitive decline remain poorly understood. Much of the existing research relies on cross-sectional studies, which do not effectively differentiate between temporary and chronic excess weight. Additionally, it has remained unclear whether changes in excess weight levels over time lead to distinct impacts on brain morphology and cognitive function.
Addressing these knowledge gaps, Professor Qiu’s study offers a comprehensive longitudinal analysis of how obesity trajectories influence brain and cognitive health in middle-aged and older adults.
Utilizing data from the UK Biobank, the study analyzed various excess weight indicators to classify participants into five distinct obesity trajectories: low-stable, moderate-stable, high-stable, increasing, and decreasing. The research examined how these patterns correlate with changes in brain structure, neural connectivity, and cognitive performance.
Crucially, individuals in the decreasing trajectory group exhibited brain structure and cognitive function similar to those in the low-stable group, showing minimal negative effects. On the other hand, participants in the increasing, moderate-stable, and high-stable categories experienced progressively worsening outcomes.
- For those in the increasing trajectory, the earliest signs of brain deterioration appeared in the fronto-mesolimbic regions.
- In the moderate-stable group, impairments expanded into the parietal and temporal lobes.
- The high-stable group experienced widespread structural and functional brain abnormalities.
This study provides vital insight into how persistent or escalating obesity can negatively affect neurological health over time, while also highlighting the potential cognitive benefits of weight reduction.
