体重超标会让大脑早衰12年？首都医科大揭秘肥胖对脑部的惊人伤害

Core Viewpoint - Obesity is not just a physical issue but a significant health risk, linked to various chronic diseases and even irreversible brain damage [5][9]. Group 1: Obesity Statistics - Nearly 49% of the Chinese population is facing overweight issues, making China the country with the largest number of obese individuals globally [7]. - The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a crucial indicator for measuring obesity, with stricter standards applied in China compared to international norms [8]. Group 2: Impact on Brain Health - Recent research indicates that being overweight can lead to accelerated brain aging, with individuals classified as obese experiencing brain aging equivalent to being 12 years older than their actual age [11][15]. - A study involving 1,074 Chinese adults revealed that a cumulative BMI greater than 26.2 is associated with significant brain structure damage, including reduced gray matter volume and increased white matter lesions [11][12]. Group 3: Specific Findings on Brain Changes - For individuals under 45, a long-term BMI above 26.2 results in an average brain volume reduction of 17.9 milliliters, reflecting accelerated aging [16]. - The study found that gray matter volume decreases by 13.4 milliliters, directly affecting memory and cognitive abilities [17]. Group 4: Recommendations and Preventive Measures - Maintaining a healthy BMI is essential for protecting brain health, especially for those under 45, who should keep their BMI below 26.2 [17]. - The research emphasizes the importance of early intervention in preventing obesity to safeguard cognitive function in the future [17].