A recent study, set to be presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America, suggests a link between body composition and brain health. Researchers found that individuals with higher muscle mass and a lower ratio of visceral fat to muscle tend to exhibit a younger biological brain age. Visceral fat, which is located deep within the abdomen around internal organs, is associated with various health risks.
Senior study author Dr. Cyrus Raji, an associate professor at Washington University School of Medicine, emphasized that healthier bodies, characterized by increased muscle mass and reduced hidden belly fat, are correlated with improved brain health. This, in turn, may lower the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's.
The study involved 1,164 healthy adults with an average age of approximately 55 years, utilizing whole-body MRI scans to assess muscle and fat distribution. An artificial intelligence algorithm was employed to analyze muscle volume, visceral fat, and brain structure. Findings indicated that those with a higher visceral fat to muscle ratio exhibited an older predicted brain age, while subcutaneous fat, which lies just under the skin, showed no significant correlation with brain age.
Dr. Raji noted the importance of focusing on increasing muscle and reducing visceral fat as actionable health goals. The study’s results reinforce the connection between physical health and cognitive function and may influence future health interventions.
Additionally, the findings may impact the development of weight loss medications, particularly glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drugs, which effectively reduce body fat but could also lead to muscle loss. Researchers suggest future treatments should prioritize fat reduction, especially visceral fat, while preserving muscle mass to optimize brain health outcomes.