NEW YORK, Aug 1: A new study published in Neurology suggests that excess fat in specific body areas, such as the arms and belly, may heighten the risk of developing neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The research indicates that higher levels of body fat are associated with a greater likelihood of these conditions, while increased muscle strength appears to offer protective benefits.

Lead author Shishi Xu, a clinician at West China Hospital of Sichuan University, noted that individuals with higher levels of belly fat had a 13% increased risk of neurological diseases, while those with more arm fat faced an 18% higher risk. Conversely, those with greater muscle strength were 26% less likely to develop these diseases.

Xu emphasized the potential role of body composition and cardiovascular health in preventing neurodegenerative diseases. She explained that adverse body composition, like excess belly fat, could elevate cardiovascular disease risk, which in turn increases the likelihood of developing neurological conditions. Xu suggested that early intervention in cardiovascular diseases could reduce the future risk of neurodegenerative diseases by up to 35%.

Dr. James Galvin, director of the Comprehensive Center for Brain Health at the University of Miami Health System, commented that the findings align with existing research on the relationship between body and brain health. He noted that loss of muscle mass and increased visceral fat are known risk factors for cognitive decline.

While the study presents significant insights, Xu acknowledged limitations, including the challenge of distinguishing correlation from causation in observational research. The study's sample lacked diversity, which could affect the applicability of the findings across different populations, as noted by Galvin.

To mitigate the risk of neurological diseases, Xu recommended focusing on improving body composition through lifestyle changes such as resistance training, reducing sedentary behavior, and following a balanced diet. She stressed that muscle strength and fat distribution may be more crucial for health than overall weight alone.

Galvin supported these recommendations, advising people to focus on reducing body fat while maintaining muscle strength through resistance and flexibility exercises, alongside a healthy diet. He highlighted the growing understanding of how lifestyle factors impact brain health and disease risk.