"Overweight or obesity is closely associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which is also associated with impairment in cognitive abilities," says Antonio Convit, researchers from New York University School of Medicine.
In his study, Convit wanted to ascertain whether obesity also has a direct impact on the physical structure of the human brain.
As part of his research, he used the imaging method of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to compare the brains of obese volunteers 44 to 19 volunteers slim. Volunteers are involved in the study had ages and backgrounds together.
The results showed, those who are obese have a much more fluid in the amygdala region of the brain involved in feeding behavior. Research also shows the size of the orbitofrontal cortices are smaller in volunteers robin big belly. Orbitofrontal cortices play an important part to control impulses, and had a role in feeding behavior.
"That means that only a few cells of neurons (in volunteers obesitas), or neuronal cells were shrunken," he said as quoted by New Scientist Convit.
Diabetes and cognitive impairment
Based on medical literature, insulin, which controls the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats in the body-is also in charge of controlling the supply of dopamine to the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter substances the brain needs to focus attention, appreciation, and motor activity.
Lack of insulin can interfere with the activity of dopamine which leads to brain disorders such as depression, Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Studies that develop at this time confirms that changing lifestyle factors, particularly regular exercise, may be an effective way to reduce the risk of brain disorders in the elderly.
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