Belly fat is linked to brain decay

Question

This article claims that Belly fat is linked to signs of Alzheimer's 20 years before the symptoms occur.

Answer 1

Starting off, CNN news is well regarded as a credible source of news. The author focus on the research of a single source, Dr. Cyrus Raji who is a professor of radiology at Washington University. As context, the author also includes statistics relevant to said research from the World Health Organization and the Cleveland Clinic, both linked in the article. The perspective of another expert is also brought in, as the author quotes preventative neurologist Dr. Richard Isaacson, who was not involved in Dr. Raji's research, as a source of verification. The I would say that there is substantial evidence to back up the claim that "belly fat is linked to signs of alzheimer's disease 20 years before the symptoms occur," as the article details a direct correlation between the amount of belly fat present in an individual and the presence of beta amyloid and tau in the brain's memory center, an early sign of the disease developing far before a diagnosis occurs. Not misinformation.

Comments

I think you provided good background not only on the news source but also on the professor on the study, so good job for that. I appreciate you linking exterior sources as well instead of relying on one.

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I thought your fact check was very insightful, and I think that CNN is a very reliable source to back up this claim as well. I would just suggest another source since CNN, like any other media, can have agendas and preconceived opinions. It is important to have multiple points of view on a situation.

Answer 2

Comments

This claim is true. CNN is a well-known established institution that has a solid reputation for factual reporting. Additionally, they cite their sources within the article. When checked, every article was retrieved from a medical institution or an actual doctor. This is generally a good sign. The article was not conclusive about a causation between belly fat and brain decay but it did strongly indicate a link rendering the claim to be true.

Answer 3

The article's claims are backed up by reliable scientific research. It accurately shows the link between biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease and visceral fat, which is  significanct to preserving a healthy body composition, and the function of exercise in controlling body fat and promoting brain function. The data aligns with the conclusions of numerous studies and professionals in the fields of neurology and preventative health.

Comments

Wonderful comment. However, I think you should include different sources and link them. Because it's harder to believe you when you have no evidence backing up what you're saying.

Answer 4

The claim is that fat in the belly is linked with early signs of Alzheimer's disease in this particular study, atrophy in the brain 20 years before symptoms occurred. The article reported by CNN is on a study that suggests that what's commonly referred to as visceral fat is also linked with decreased brain volume as well as other signs of neurological impairment.

Consistent with the research and supporting article, an increasing amount of research suggests a correlation with initial signs of brain decline and belly fat. Researchers believe that long-term inflammation caused by belly fat may have an effect on the functioning and anatomy of the brain, perhaps speeding mental decline. A study covered in the article and published within an Obesity journal utilized an MRI scan to illustrate that people with heavier fat levels within abdominal areas have reduced gray matter within their brains – a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.

Even though the study does not reveal that belly fat is a causative factor for Alzheimer's, it suggests that it may be a risk factor or an early warning sign. Doctors also caution that these findings are early in an ongoing field of research, and longer-term research is required to identify underlying mechanisms.

Article from CNN:

https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/02/health/belly-fat-brain-atrophy-alzheimers-wellness/index.html

Different study found:

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/oby.23165

Answer 5

In the recent age of social media influencers becoming health gurus, and the topic of different at home remedies and other holistic science claims for longevity swarm on the Internet, it is important to try and find back up claims for articles like this, even from CNN, its good to always do your own bit of research. The claim stated as one of the main claims in the article, "As the size of a person’s belly grows, the memory center of their brain shrinks and beta amyloid and tau may appear" is backed by a study published by the National Institute of Aging. The article also includes a previous study covered already on this website about drinking and dementia, proving that their information is coming from reputable sources. 

Sources: https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/excess-belly-fat-midlife-may-be-associated-early-markers-alzheimers

https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/04/health/alcohol-brain-shrinkage-wellness/index.html

Answer 6

The claim that "belly fat is linked to signs of Alzheimer’s 20 years before the symptoms occur" is supported by current research. A study from the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology (MIR) at Washington University School of Medicine found that higher levels of visceral fat in midlife are associated with early biological markers of Alzheimer’s disease, including increased levels of amyloid and tau proteins in the brain. These proteins are key indicators of Alzheimer’s-related brain changes, which often begin developing decades before symptoms appear. This research implies that the accumulation of visceral fat during one’s 40s or 50s could serve as an early warning sign for potential cognitive decline. Such findings highlight the broader importance of managing belly fat—not just for metabolic or cardiovascular health, but for long-term brain health as well. The study was reported by CNN in an article titled “Belly fat linked to signs of Alzheimer’s 20 years before symptoms, study finds”

https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/02/health/belly-fat-brain-atrophy-alzheimers-wellness/index.html

https://www.mir.wustl.edu/new-study-links-body-fat-in-midlife-to-alzheimers-disease-symptoms/ 

Answer 7

The claim that belly fat is linked to brain decay is actually true. The National Institute on Aging, a government institution, found that "Some early Alzheimer's disease-related brain changes, including beta-amyloid buildup and lower cortical thickness, were greater among middle-aged adults with abdominal obesity" (Excess belly fat, 2023). This being from a government organization shows to be reliable and proves that those with more belly fat in that area are susceptible to brain decay. Harvard Medical School, one of the top Ivy Leagues in the nation agrees with the claim that belly fat is linked to brain decay. The research Harvard conducted through an MRI scan came back with results such as, "They found that people with greater amounts of both visceral and subcutaneous belly fat had less brain tissue, particularly in brain regions involved in thinking, memory..." (Salamon, 2024). Harvard is a top of the line institution and the recency makes it even more reliable. 

https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/excess-belly-fat-midlife-may-be-associated-early-markers-alzheimers

https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/greater-amounts-of-abdominal-fat-may-harm-brain-health

Answer 8

Although initially surprising, this claim is true.  Recent studies suggest that having a great amount of excess belly fat might lead to early signs of brain problems such as Alzheimer's disease.  Excess of this fat can cause inflammation and cause fluctuation in the way that our bodies naturally handle insulin.  This is due to the decreased blood flow and shrinkage in parts of the brain that help with memory.  Harmful proteins have also been located in the brain in individuals with more belly fat.  These proteins show up years before memory loss starts.

https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/excess-belly-fat-midlife-may-be-associated-early-markers-alzheimers

https://press.rsna.org/timssnet/media/pressreleases/14_pr_target.cfm?ID=2541