Dr Sudhir Kumar links belly fat to brain health

Dr Sudhir Kumar, neurologist at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, stated that visceral fat increases risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is linked to smaller brain volume and reduced hippocampal volume, affecting memory and thinking.

Mechanisms include chronic low-grade inflammation, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and hormonal changes affecting the brain.

Studies associate higher visceral fat with reduced executive function, slower information processing, poorer attention, and lower memory performance.

Visceral fat is modifiable through lifestyle changes, making waist health important for brain health.