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Visceral Fat vs. Muscle: Your Brain's True Age
24 Nov
Summary
- Higher muscle mass correlates with younger brain age.
- Visceral fat, not subcutaneous, impacts brain health.
- Exercise increases muscle and reduces visceral fat.
Scientists are uncovering a significant link between body composition and brain aging. Research presented at the Radiological Society of North America's annual meeting indicates that a higher ratio of visceral fat to muscle mass correlates with an older brain age. This internal fat, surrounding vital organs, is associated with increased inflammation and a higher risk of cognitive decline and diseases like Alzheimer's.
The study, involving over a thousand healthy adults, found that visceral fat—also known as hidden or deep belly fat—was directly linked to brain age, while subcutaneous fat showed no such association. This highlights the limitations of traditional metrics like BMI, which do not account for fat distribution.
Experts emphasize that maintaining muscle mass and reducing visceral fat through exercise is crucial for overall health and brain longevity. Simple steps like strength training and aerobic activity can significantly improve this body composition ratio, offering a pathway to a healthier brain regardless of chronological age.
