Excess belly fat ‘impairs learning, memory and emotion control in teenagers'
Researchers said the findings are 'particularly alarming' given the importance of adolescence when it comes to brain development.
They suggest that tackling obesity among children will not only improve physical health, but could also improve brain health.
For the study, which is being presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Malaga, data from 3,320 children taking part in an ongoing US study on how childhood experiences impact brain development and health were analysed.
The average age of the group was nine, with youngsters recruited from cities across 17 US states and followed for four years, from 2016 to 2018 and from 2020 to 2022.
The children were categorised on obesity status, with more than a third (34.6%) classed as having abdominal obesity, which was determined by measuring waist circumference.
MRI scans revealed several regions of the brain had more volume in youngsters carrying excess belly fat compared to those without.
The biggest changes were in the hippocampus, which plays a crucial role in memory formation, and the amygdala, the brain's emotional centre that is particularly involved in processing fear and anxiety.
The hippocampus was found to be around 6.6% larger, while the amygdala was about 4.3% bigger.
Dr Augusto Cesar F De Moraes, of UTHealth Houston School of Public Health in Austin, said: 'Our findings suggest that obesity, particularly abdominal obesity, can impair teenagers' learning, memory and control of emotions.
'I worry about how these changes, which are occurring at the age of 13 or 14, might affect them later in life.
'This is particularly alarming, given that the teenage years are such an important time for brain development.
'There's even a chance they could be at a higher risk of things like memory problems or dementia as they get older.
'That's why we believe supporting healthier habits early on is so important, not just for physical health, but for brain health too.
'Treating and preventing adolescent obesity won't only improve health – it may improve brain health, too.'
The study also found children from more deprived areas had reduced development in a number of areas in the brain, including the hippocampus and amygdala, as well as the putamen, the brain structure involved in learning and motor control.
Dr De Moraes added: 'This difference was even more pronounced among adolescents with persistent abdominal obesity.
'It highlights the urgent need to address both social inequality and health risks to support not only physical wellbeing but also healthy brain development in youth.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
3 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
I've been left with a gigantic hernia the size of a football – docs said my symptoms were just a ‘bad back'
Find out everything you need to know about Graham's condition below FOBBED OFF I've been left with a gigantic hernia the size of a football – docs said my symptoms were just a 'bad back' GRAHAM Shepherd has been left with a hernia the size of a football after doctors dismissed his symptoms as a "bad back". While the 65-year-old has been awarded a payout after suing the NHS, he's said his and his family's lives "will never be the same again". 5 Graham Shepherd started suffering with back pain, but doctors just treated him with painkillers Credit: SWNS 5 He was eventually diagnosed with an 11.5cm abdominal aortic aneurysm Credit: SWNS 5 As part of complications he's been left with a stoma, mobility problems and a large abdominal hernia Credit: SWNS Graham developed the gigantic bulge - described as the biggest doctors had ever seen - when it ballooned after an aneurysm ruptured. He had visited his GP multiple times and gone to hospital twice complaining of severe back pain as well as weight loss over a nine week period. Graham said a lump on his stomach was also pulsating - but doctors failed to carry out a full examination and sent him home with painkillers. The result of an MRI scan was incorrectly recorded as clear before he was eventually diagnosed with an 11.5cm abdominal aortic aneurysm 64 days later. The dad-of-one was told by doctors he had been a "walking time bomb" and underwent emergency surgery. But he developed complications, including a torn bowel, suspected to have been caused by painkillers he had been advised to take for his back pain. Graham spent more than seven weeks in intensive care and has been left permanently disabled as a result of his ordeal. The former chief foreman is unable to work after being left with a stoma, mobility problems and the large abdominal hernia. Graham's wife, Sarah, 44, has also been forced to give up her job as a healthcare assistant to become his full-time carer. Lawyers have now secured Graham an undisclosed settlement after two doctors and a hospital trust involved in his care denied liability. I lost 14 stone and finally had my loose skin removed, but it was totally botched and I look like I've been left with a permanent hernia Graham, of Stourbrige, West Mids., said: "I was in pain for months. "It started in my back and gradually spread to my abdomen, groin, and down my left leg. "I could barely move and spent most of my time lying on the settee. "I knew something wasn't right and the lump I found in my stomach was pulsating in time with my heartbeat. "When they diagnosed my aneurysm, the doctors told me it was one of the biggest they'd ever seen and I was a walking time bomb. "They believed it had already ruptured several times. I knew something wasn't right and the lump I found in my stomach was pulsating in time with my heartbeat Graham Shepherd "Because it was leaking it had probably relieved some of the pressure and had stopped it fully rupturing and killing me. "I was told that you could probably only fit a cigarette paper between the aneurysm and my spine and that it had worn my spine down." Graham's emergency surgery went well, but afterwards he felt three pops inside of him. It turned out his bowel had perforated. He continued: " I needed another emergency surgery and was told I'd need a stoma. At first, I refused. I was devastated. "Sarah had to convince me it was the only way to save my life. "It wasn't a case of staying in hospital, getting better and going home. "I've been left with permanent nerve damage, muscle wasting in my leg, I can't work and Sarah has had to give up her job to care for me. "My stomach is unsightly and I have a stoma that can't be reversed. I've been told any further surgery on my abdomen would be very risky and complicated. "Our lives will never be the same again. "I just hope that by sharing what happened to me I can help raise awareness so others don't have to suffer." 5 After suing the NHS Graham has now been awarded a payout Credit: SWNS 5 Graham has been told further surgery on his abdomen would be very risky and complicated Credit: SWNS Jenna Harris, the lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Graham, said: "We firmly believe that those involved in Graham's care failed to conduct appropriate examinations and arrange and report back on a MRI scan in a timely fashion, especially in light of Graham complaining of symptoms associated with an abdominal aortic aneurysm. "If Graham had received the care we say he should, we believe his condition would have been diagnosed sooner and he wouldn't have gone to suffer life-changing complications. "Nothing can make up for Graham's ordeal but we're pleased to have secured this settlement allowing him to access the ongoing support he requires. "An abdominal aortic aneurysm can be life-threatening, especially if they rupture. "Therefore, it's vital people are aware of the possible signs. Early detection and treatment are crucial in managing the condition and preventing potentially fatal complications."
Scottish Sun
10 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
‘Exciting' new ‘all-over' scan can detect tiny traces of cancer anywhere in the body
Air Vice-Marshal Fin Monahan said the scanning technique 'extended his life' and enabled him to 'continue serving' the country 'REVOLUTIONARY' 'Exciting' new 'all-over' scan can detect tiny traces of cancer anywhere in the body Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SCIENTISTS have discovered a new way to track blood cance, even when traditional tests miss it. A whole-body MRI scan can detect tiny traces of myeloma, a deadly blood cancer, and could transform how patients are monitored, experts say. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 A whole-body MRI scan can spot hidden cancer Credit: Getty 3 The Royal Marsden is already using the new scanning technique Credit: Getty The test is radiation-free and can flag hidden cancer cells in the body. This is the case even when blood tests, bone marrow biopsies and CT scans show no signs of disease. Experts said that this scanning technique gives doctors an early warning of relapse and help guide future treatment plans. Myeloma, also known as multiple myeloma, is a type of blood cancer that develops from plasma cells in the bone marrow. Around 6,200 people are diagnosed with the condition each year in the UK. Charity Myeloma UK estimates that there are around 33,000 people living with myeloma in the UK. It can affect many parts of the body and is not curable, but treatment can keep it under control. The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and The Institute of Cancer Research, London, trialled the technique on 70 patients undergoing stem cell transplants. They were all given a whole-body MRI before and after the treatment. Writing in the Blood Cancer Journal, experts said that one in three patients had signs of residual disease on whole-body MRI after treatment - which can be given to patients without the use of radiation. Overall survival was also significantly shorter in those with positive MRI findings. What is myeloma? The Royal Marsden has already adopted the whole-body image technique and it could help shape cancer care for patients around the country in the future. One patient under the treatment of the hospital described how the scanning technique "extended his life" and enabled him to "continue serving" the country. Air Vice-Marshal Fin Monahan, chief fire officer for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, was diagnosed with myeloma in 2009 while serving in the RAF. He has since relapsed twice, but thanks to whole-body MRI scans, his cancer was detected much earlier than would have been possible with a traditional CT scan. The father of three, 57, said: "With the constant threat of relapse, myeloma patients are in a long-term mental battle with this insidious disease. "However, being part of the whole-body MRI scan study at the Royal Marsden allowed my cancer to be closely watched and resulted in me being treated sooner than I would have been under normal protocols. 3 Air Vice-Marshal Fin Monahan says the scan saved his life Credit: PA "This not only extended my life but after diagnosis, I returned to flying jets and to active operational duties. "I would eventually not be allowed to fly on medical grounds due to myeloma but paved the way to establishing the first training programme of Ukrainian forces in 2015 and I was called upon to run Nato air operations after the invasion of Ukraine. "This cutting-edge treatment not only extended my life but allowed me to continue serving my country." The 10 red flag symptoms of myeloma Myeloma is an incurable blood cancer that occurs in the bone marrow. Despite being the third most common type of blood cancer, myeloma is difficult to detect as symptoms are often linked to general ageing or minor conditions. While it is incurable, myeloma is treatable in the majority of cases. Treatment can lead to periods of remission but the cancer will inevitably come back. Symptoms of myeloma: Persistent or unexplained pain for more than four to six weeks, particularly in the back or ribs Tiredness that doesn't improve with rest (fatigue) Frequent or hard-to-clear infections Easily broken bones or unexpected fractures Experiencing either frequent urination or minimal to no urination Swollen legs or abdomen Nosebleeds or unexplained bleeding or bruising Unexplained weight loss Numbness in the feet, hands, or legs Unexplained shortness of breath Professor Christina Messiou from The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, said: "This study shows that whole-body MRI gives us valuable information about how well the myeloma has responded to treatment that other tests may miss. "It's exciting that we now have a standardised, non-invasive imaging method that can be used across cancer centres. "Whole-body MRI doesn't involve radiation or intravenous injections, which is important for patients who may require lifelong monitoring. "This is an important step towards smarter and kinder precision diagnostics for patients with cancer" Professor Martin Kaiser, also from The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, added: "Access to this gold-standard precision imaging with whole-body MRI has revolutionised care for myeloma patients. "As the treatment options for myeloma increase and factors such as disease distribution across the body are increasingly understood as important to treatment response, the relevance of the whole-body MRI for personalising treatment will only increase over time."
Wales Online
14 hours ago
- Wales Online
'New way to find traces of cancer has extended my life'
'New way to find traces of cancer has extended my life' An MRI scan has been developed that can find minuscule amounts of the disease when traditional tests can't Air Vice-Marshal Fin Monahan (Image: Royal Marsden Hospital/PA Wire ) Scientists have found a new way to find tiny traces of cancer that could help 'revolutionise' care for patients with a certain form of blood cancer. Giving patients a whole-body MRI scan can detect minuscule amounts of myeloma, also known as minimal residue disease, even when traditional tests showed no signs of cancer, researchers found. Usual tests include blood tests and bone marrow biopsies, CT scans and X-rays. Experts said that this scanning technique can provide an important insight into how well patients are responding to treatment and whether they might relapse. Myeloma is a type of blood cancer that develops from plasma cells in the bone marrow. The condition is sometimes called multiple myeloma because it affects more than one part of the body. The disease is not considered curable but treatment can control it. Researchers at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and The Institute of Cancer Research, London, tracked 70 myeloma patients who were having a stem cell transplant. They were all given a whole-body MRI before and after the treatment. Writing in the Blood Cancer Journal, experts said that one in three patients had signs of residual disease on whole-body MRI after treatment – which can be given to patients without the use of radiation. Overall survival was also significantly shorter in those with positive MRI findings. The Royal Marsden has already adopted the the whole-body imagine technique and it could help shape cancer care for patients around the country in the future. One patient under the treatment of the hospital described how the scanning technique 'extended his life' and enabled him to 'continue serving' the country. Air Vice-Marshal Fin Monahan, chief fire officer for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, was diagnosed with myeloma in 2009 while serving in the RAF. He has since relapsed twice, but thanks to whole-body MRI scans, his cancer was detected much earlier than would have been possible with a traditional CT scan. The father of three, 57, said: 'With the constant threat of relapse, myeloma patients are in a long-term mental battle with this insidious disease. However, being part of the whole-body MRI scan study at the Royal Marsden allowed my cancer to be closely watched and resulted in me being treated sooner than I would have been under normal protocols. 'This not only extended my life but after diagnosis, I returned to flying jets and to active operational duties. I would eventually not be allowed to fly on medical grounds due to myeloma but paved the way to establishing the first training programme of Ukrainian forces in 2015 and I was called upon to run Nato air operations after the invasion of Ukraine. This cutting-edge treatment not only extended my life but allowed me to continue serving my country.' Study chief investigator, Professor Christina Messiou, consultant radiologist at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, and professor in imaging for personalised oncology at The Institute of Cancer Research, said: 'This study shows that whole-body MRI gives us valuable information about how well the myeloma has responded to treatment that other tests may miss. It's exciting that we now have a standardised, non-invasive imaging method that can be used across cancer centres. 'Whole-body MRI doesn't involve radiation or intravenous injections, which is important for patients who may require lifelong monitoring. This is an important step towards smarter and kinder precision diagnostics for patients with cancer.' Professor Martin Kaiser, consultant haematologist at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and professor in molecular haematology at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, added: 'Access to this gold-standard precision imaging with whole-body MRI has revolutionised care for myeloma patients. Article continues below 'As the treatment options for myeloma increase and factors such as disease distribution across the body are increasingly understood as important to treatment response, the relevance of the whole-body MRI for personalising treatment will only increase over time.' Around 6,200 people are diagnosed with the condition each year in the UK and charity Myeloma UK estimates that there are around 33,000 people living with myeloma in the UK.
