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].

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 China's population is facing overweight issues, making it the country with the largest number of obese individuals globally due to its vast population base [7]. - The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a critical measure for assessing obesity, with China's stricter standards categorizing a BMI of 24-27.9 as overweight and 28 or above as obese [8]. Group 2: Impact on Brain Health - A recent study 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]. - The study analyzed 1,074 adults aged 25-83 over 16 years, revealing 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]. - Key areas affected include the frontal lobe, temporal lobe, and anterior cingulate cortex, which are crucial for memory, decision-making, and emotional regulation [13][17]. Group 4: Recommendations - The research emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy weight, particularly for younger individuals, to protect brain health and cognitive function [16][17]. - Preventive measures against obesity should start early, with a strict BMI control recommended for those under 45 to mitigate future cognitive decline [17].