Does Your Waist Size Influence Your Brain Size?
Is your brain health directly related to your physical health? In the January issue of the Archives of Neurology, one long-term study indicated that regular moderate exercisers were 39% less likely to develop mild cognitive impairment as they aged. Exercisers have more BDNF (Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor) which protects and maintains neurons and their synapses in the brain. Researchers are also studying the link between excess body fat and brain size as we age.
Preliminary reports are showing that overweight and obese patients have smaller brains (up to 8% smaller) that look much older than their normal weight counterparts.
Are you at risk? Two measurements can help you determine your risk factor:
1. The BMI (Body Mass Index) calculator tool can be found at www.nhbisupport.com/bmi/ (National Heart Lung and Blood Institute).
2.You can also check your waist circumference. There are significant associated health risks with a waist size of over 40 inches in men, and over 35 inches in women. Use your navel as your landmark.
What to do next?
We will tell you tomorrow…
Uche and Kary