Obesity and Disease

• General cognitive impairment
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Migraine
• Depression

Obesity and Alzheimer’s Disease

Mechanism by which obesity affects disease state

Research shows that obesity is associated with mild cognitive impairment affecting learning, memory and executive function²⁶. It is associated with altered hippocampal and hypothalamus structure and function, and there exists a robust correlation between obesity and Alzheimer’s disease²⁷. Obesity doubles an individual’s risk of Alzheimer’s disease compared to individuals of a healthy weight²⁸. The mechanisms involved are believed to be systemic, with the metabolic inflammation, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance and lipotoxicity resulting from excess adipose tissue being the drivers for neurological dysfunction²⁹. Research evidence also suggests that obesity is linked to both the prevalence of migraine, and also the frequency and severity of migraine attacks³⁰. The mechanisms thought to be involved include systemic mechanisms – neurogenic inflammation, psychological – with stress promoting migraine onset, and behavioural – for example, disturbances in sleep behaviour, which are common in those with obesity and which often trigger migraine attacks³⁰.

Benefits of Weight Loss on Disease State

Weight loss interventions including dietary change and increased physical activity strongly correlate with both improved cognitive performance (including improvements in memory ³¹, executive function and psychomotor speed³² and general cognitive function³³). Diet and exercise also were associated with improved nerve function²⁷, including increased epidermal nerve innervation, and decreased neuropathic pain³⁴. Research suggests that weight loss should also be considered as a treatment strategy for those experiencing migraines who have overweight or obesity³⁰.