The ability to reason and solve problems, which is not related to knowledge, would be weakened in people who have excess abdominal fat.
Abdominal fat would be harmful to intellectual abilities. In Brain, Behavior and ImmunityAmerican researchers from the University of Iowa find that people with excess abdominal fat have lower cerebral fluidity.
The opposite effects of abdominal fat and muscle mass
The researchers collected data from more than 4,000 people, aged 64 on average and with no history of cognitive impairment. Over a period of six years, they investigated the links between abdominal fat, muscle mass and changes in fluid intelligence. The latter refers to the ability to remember something, to reason quickly or to analyze situations, it does not depend on the person’s knowledge or intelligence quotient. The research team found that in participants with the most abdominal fat, fluid intelligence decreased with age. On the other hand, patients with a large muscle mass were protected from this accelerated aging. “Chronological age does not seem to have an impact on long-term fluid intelligence, specifies Auriel A. Willette, co-author of the study, it is rather biological age, which, in this case, is characterized by fat and muscle mass.
The role of the immune system
The researchers analyzed the influence of the immune system on fluid intelligence. In women, with excess weight localized in the belly, the modification of two types of white blood cells would be the cause of the reduction of fluid intelligence. For men, another type of white blood cell would be involved.
The benefits of physical exercise
The conclusions of this study remind us of the need to continue to practice physical exercise regardless of age, in order to maintain muscle mass. “If you eat well and do some brisk walking, it should help you maintain your intellectual speed,” advises the author of the study. Another good reason to add sport to your New Year’s resolutions.
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