Most people know that obesity is associated with chronic diseases and other health problems, but a growing body of research shows that obesity can also be unhealthy for the brain.
Therefore, weight loss through surgery, medications such as Ozempic or Wigovy, or lifestyle changes may be a means for obese people to improve cognitive function.
Research published in JAMA network open A study of severely obese adults in February found that 40% of participants had improved cognition after they underwent bariatric surgery. And a study published in August found that the anti-obesity drug liraglutide may help restore adaptive learning abilities in obese people.
Researchers have discovered that brain health and metabolic health are closely linked.
“As you lose weight, metabolic syndrome begins to improve, inflammation levels decrease, and brain metabolism and mitochondrial function improve,” says Kristin Baier, M.D., bariatric physician and vice president of clinical development at Calibrate. the doctor said. health.
Here's what you need to know about the connection between obesity and brain health, and how different weight loss methods affect cognitive function.
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Although the relationship between obesity and brain health is still being studied, inflammation may be the cause of these related cognitive problems.
Fat tissue can release molecules that cause inflammation throughout the body, including the brain. This neuroinflammation is associated with changes in cerebral gray and white matter tissue. In particular, loss of gray matter in the brain is associated with mental health problems such as dementia and depression.
This link between weight, inflammation, and brain health has also been studied in people with metabolic syndrome (a combination of large waist circumference, high cholesterol and blood sugar levels, high blood pressure, and low HDL cholesterol). Research has shown that metabolic syndrome is associated with inflammation that can cause cognitive decline.
Therefore, losing weight may be a way to improve brain health for some people.
“Clinical research…suggests the importance of diet and exercise in helping to manage symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as preventing or reducing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease,” Baier said. he said.
Weight loss surgery, weight loss drugs, and lifestyle changes can all have some impact on a person's brain health, as long as they help people lose weight.
weight loss surgery
February JAMA network open This study is one of the latest to find a link between weight loss surgery and improved cognitive performance. Specifically, the researchers looked at 133 Dutch adults with severe obesity who had undergone bariatric surgery.
After two years, approximately 43% of participants had improved cognitive scores. Additionally, the study authors noted lower inflammatory markers and fewer depressive symptoms among the participants, as well as a thicker temporal cortex.
Other studies have found similar results. A 2014 study tested the brain function of 17 obese women before and six months after a weight loss surgery called RYBG (Rou-en-Y Gastric Bypass). The same test was also performed once on a control group of 16 women without obesity.
Before weight loss surgery, the obese group had higher metabolic rates in certain areas of the brain. However, brain metabolism after surgery was comparable to that of the control group. The women also performed better on tests measuring executive function after the weight loss procedure.
Although weight loss surgery can have a positive impact on your overall health and cognitive function, the procedure does come with some risks. This may include bleeding, blood clots, infection, and diarrhea. It is best to talk to your doctor about potential side effects before undergoing any weight loss procedure.
GLP-1 drug
Ozempic, Wigovy, and similar drugs are great tools for improving metabolic health, Baier says. Because of this, it may be possible to improve brain metabolism and, in turn, brain health, she said.
But experts are still trying to figure out how these glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drugs actually interact with the brain.
Studies have shown that gliptin, a type of diabetes drug, can increase GLP-1 levels and improve cognitive decline in people with type 2 diabetes. The idea is that Ozempic may be able to do the same thing because it mimics his GLP-1 hormone. In fact, Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic and Wegovy, is currently conducting clinical trials to determine whether the drug has a “positive effect on early Alzheimer's disease.”
Other similar weight loss drugs have also been linked to improved brain health.
An August 2023 study found that associative learning deficits caused by obesity can be reversed with liraglutide, an anti-obesity drug also known as Saxenda or Victoza. Researchers said that after just one dose, obese participants showed no impairment compared to a group of healthy weight participants.
But caution should be used when using these drugs, said Chris Allen, M.D., a pediatric neurologist and sleep medicine physician at Covenant Healthcare and senior scientific advisor for AeroFlow Sleep. .
GLP-1 drugs can cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and vomiting, and Ozempic and Wigoby in particular have been linked to more serious side effects such as pancreatitis.
And while more recent research has found no link between these drugs and suicidal thoughts, it's important to make sure the drugs don't worsen brain health in any way.
“Potential side effects and long-term effects on neurological function need to be thoroughly evaluated,” Allen said. health. “It's important to consult your health care professional before considering these medications.”
Lifestyle changes
Although surgery provides the most dramatic weight loss effects, lifestyle changes can also be very beneficial.
Practicing a balanced diet, exercising regularly, focusing on good sleep hygiene, and reducing stress have been proven to cause weight loss. And these types of lifestyle changes are associated with reduced inflammation, and therefore a lower risk of developing neurodegenerative and other diseases. In particular, exercise improves blood flow to the brain and may boost cognition.
Although lifestyle changes tend to have fewer risks, you should consult your doctor before starting any new weight loss program. This is especially true if you are currently being treated for a neurological or psychiatric disorder.
Research suggests that weight loss may contribute to improved cognitive function, but it is not guaranteed.
“Cognitive function is influenced by many factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and overall health,” Allen says.
Among the things you can control, weight management is just one way to protect yourself from cognitive decline. Other things to consider include keeping your mind active, engaging with friends and social activities, and reducing stress.
And even if some people are interested in losing weight to improve their brain health, Baier says it's not a “one-size-fits-all” option either. Factors such as medical and family history, age, gender, and personal goals can all influence which weight loss method is best for you, she added.
“Weight loss should be complemented by other healthy habits and practices and seen as part of a holistic approach to increasing cognitive well-being,” Allen says.
