Obesity can have an impact on brain health through various mechanisms such as persistent inflammation, insulin resistance, and changes in metabolism in the brain. Excess body fat produces inflammatory mediators and creates a disruption in hormonal homeostasis, and cognitive functions like learning, memory, and behavior may be negatively impacted with obesity. Long-term obesity has been associated with an increased risk for neurodegenerative diseases including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, and acceleration of brain aging. Metabolic syndrome is often linked with obesity and enhances these risks even further. Interventions focused on weight loss, healthy diet, exercise, and metabolic health may contribute to sustaining cognitive function and mitigate the neurological risks associated with obesity. Understanding the association between obesity and brain health is important for developing preventive or therapeutic strategies.
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