In our culture obesity has become a serious epidemic. Everyday scientists publish new information linking obesity to everything from allergies to erectile dysfunction. Yet the American public still isn’t convinced that major changes need to be made in the way we eat and the way we live. That’s why I’m so happy to have this voice. It allows all of us here at Sensei an opportunity to reach out and share vital information. If we can help even one person, then it’s worth it.
Among the mass of emails that landed in my inbox yesterday, one really stood out to me. I’m hoping the findings of this study might persuade a few more people to strive for and maintain a healthy weight. New research published online in the journal Human Brain Mapping finds a direct correlation between obesity and brain size (shrinkage). According to UCLA neuroscientist Paul Thompson, senior author of the study, "The brains of obese people looked 16 years older than their healthy counterparts while those of overweight people looked 8 years older". The majority of tissue lost was in the frontal and temporal regions of the brain where decision-making takes place, implicating a higher risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease and other diseases that attack the brain.
Researchers report this is the first study to provide physical evidence linking obesity with cognitive decline. But researchers weren’t really surprised by the findings and neither am I. The truth is; being overweight or obese affects every system in the body. If you apply that pressure long enough your body is going to break down. Diabetes, heart disease, cancer, mood disorders, hormone imbalances, sleep disturbance, etc., etc. The list just keeps getting longer.
The good news is that anyone can decide at any point in their life to make a change. It doesn’t matter how big or how small. You can enroll in a comprehensive weight loss program or simply stop eating chips or cookies. Every little bit helps. More importantly, find support. Over 60% of Americans are overweight or obese, so we need to help each other. If you’re not overweight, but know someone who is; encourage them to make healthy changes. If they (or you) need assistance, there are tons of resources out there, starting right here with this blog.
Good luck. We’ll be here cheering you on along the way!
- Lauren
To read more about the study click here.
Tell us about your “ah-ha” moment and what you did to make a positive change in your life.
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Labels: Lauren, Obesity, Positive Thinking, Recent Research
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wow...obesity really IS a serious matter...Thanks for enlightening me on this, and I commend you for your work! :-)