Scientists have long studied how a body mass index (BMI) high may increase the risk of diabetes, hypertension, Alzheimer’s disease and cancer. Israeli research, published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, is the first to link the overweight and obesity at the teenagers reduced cognitive function in adulthood.
Mental repercussions are worse among the poorest
Led by Professor Jeremy Kark, scientists from the Hebrew-Hadassah Braun University School of Public Health and Community Medicine (Israel) used weight and height data from 507 individuals who have been followed for more than 33 years at from the age of 17. Subjects completed a computerized cognitive assessment between the ages of 48 to 52. Their socioeconomic position was assessed by several methods.
Scientists have found that the mental repercussions are worse for children in lower socioeconomic groups. These poor obese adolescents are said to be the most likely to suffer from cognitive problems around the age of 40-50. Researchers point out that while socioeconomic position may play a particularly important role in the trajectory of cognitive function in a person’s life, it has rarely been taken into account by research.
Eat healthy and exercise as a teenager too!
This study shows that the impact of obesity on cognitive function in adulthood may already begin toadolescence, regardless of any weight loss which can intervene between the two.
Bottom line: it’s never too early to eat healthy and exercise!
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