New research from Washington University in St. Louis, Mo., has revealed that visceral fat, or belly fat — the deep abdominal fat surrounding organs — is strongly associated with early markers of Alzheimer's disease in middle-aged adults.
The study of 80 participants in their 40s and 50s found that visceral fat accounted for 77% of obesity-related amyloid accumulation in the brain, while other types of fat had nothing like the same effect.
Studies like this confirm that scientists are discovering tremendous ways to prevent Alzheimer's. We now know that what we eat, particularly a Mediterranean diet, can protect the brain by reducing harmful buildup and inflammation, while the ingredient in drugs like Wegovy may lower Alzheimer's risk by protecting brain cells and reducing inflammation. These findings show how medicine, especially newly developed treatments for obesity can target and fight this disease.
While many doctors have been trying to broadcast the links between body fat and Alzheimer's, there are large and powerful medical organizations that are funded by processed and sugary food companies, which results in official health guides failing to effectively promote these preventative measures. What many may not know is that diet and lifestyle choices not only prevent Alzheimer's, but have been shown to reverse it. We don't need drugs — we need clean food and honest health guidelines.