The Link Between Your Weight & Dementia

According to the National Institute on Aging, a study by researchers at University College London found that people aged 50 and over who are obese are more likely to develop dementia.

If you’re struggling to control your weight or find it difficult to shed pounds even with a healthy diet and regular exercise, RegenMed Health Centers can help. Ellen Lin, MD, specializes in medical weight loss services that support safe, consistent, and lasting results.

Dr. Lin provides nutritional counseling, supplements, and medications to jumpstart your journey to a healthier you so you can take proactive steps to reduce your risk for dementia and other obesity-related conditions.

Connecting the dots between obesity and dementia

Obesity is a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. Your BMI is calculated as your weight divided by your height.

Many BMI calculators are available from reputable resources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), that adults can use to estimate their risk factors for weight-related complications.

The connection between midlife obesity and dementia likely lies in the negative impacts excess fat has on the body. These impacts include widespread inflammation and insulin resistance.

Obesity can also reduce the volume of brain areas responsible for mental processes like thinking and memory. Excess fat can disrupt blood flow to the brain, ultimately damaging brain cells.

How medical weight loss contributes to dementia prevention

Obesity is considered to be a modifiable risk factor for dementia. This means that adopting healthier lifestyle choices now can potentially reduce dementia risks later.

While many people can significantly lower their risk for dementia and other obesity-related diseases through diet and exercise, some may still find weight loss challenging. Several factors can interfere with successful weight loss, including:

• Aging
• Stress
• Diabetes
• Thyroid disease
• Genetic components
• Physical restrictions
• Hormone imbalance

Dr. Lin considers all of these factors when designing your medical weight loss plan. She takes a whole-person approach to treating obesity, addressing underlying medical conditions that interfere with your metabolism and ability to lose weight consistently.

Following a medical weight loss plan helps you incorporate changes in your lifestyle and diet that support fat loss. You learn how to make healthier food choices, practice portion control, and engage in activities that burn excess fat and maintain your weight loss results for the rest of your life.

Other strategies to consider for dementia prevention

In addition to obesity, other factors influence risk factors for dementia as you age. Here are a few ways you can optimize your health and preserve your long-term cognitive function:

Kick bad habits

Smoking and excessive alcohol use are known factors that contribute to dementia. It’s never too late to kick these habits to the curb, so make a plan by setting a quit date and building a strong support system.

Dr. Lin can also recommend cessation resources that help you quit smoking and drinking without cravings or uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.

Stay on track with chronic disease management

If you have diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), or other chronic disease, be sure to follow through with your treatment plan to keep your condition well controlled.

Dr. Lin offers DNA testing to identify your risk factors for chronic health issues based on your genetic makeup. She also uses the results of your DNA tests to learn how your body might respond to certain treatments if you need help managing diabetes or another chronic disease.

Engage in mentally stimulating activities

Incorporate brain-stimulating activities into your routine, such as puzzles, board games, crafts, or reading. Learning new things also keeps the brain active and healthy.

Call RegenMed Health Centers in San Antonio, Texas, today to schedule a medical weight loss consultation or book an appointment online.