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Epoch Times
14-05-2025
- Health
- Epoch Times
Obesity in Teens Linked to Enlarged Brain Regions Associated with Memory and Emotion
With more than one in three American children now overweight or obese, researchers have uncovered a troubling connection: Teen obesity may be changing the size of brain regions critical for learning and emotional control, raising concerns about long-term cognitive and emotional development. According to the authors, both decreased and increased growth can be damaging. 'This is particularly alarming, given that the teenage years are such an important time for brain development,' said Augusto César F. De Moraes of UTHealth Houston School of Public Health and the lead study author, in a press Abdominal Fat Affected the Brain Most The research, recently presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO 2025), found that teenagers with abdominal obesity had significantly enlarged brain regions, particularly those responsible for memory, learning, and emotional regulation. Researchers used brain scans to measure the size of several brain regions in more than 3,300 young people with an average age of about 10, who were followed over four years. The results showed teenagers with abdominal obesity had a hippocampus approximately 6.6 percent larger and an amygdala about 4.3 percent larger compared with peers without obesity. The hippocampus helps with memory and learning, while the amygdala controls emotions like fear, happiness, and anger. Gillian Killiner, a specialist dietitian at 121 Dietitian, told The Epoch Times she considers the findings 'deeply concerning,' emphasizing that these brain changes raise significant worries about long-term cognitive development. Related Stories 1/24/2025 10/23/2024 The exact mechanisms are unclear, but one possible way obesity affects the brain is through inflammation. Excess body fat sends out inflammatory substances throughout the body. These chemicals can travel through the bloodstream and enter the brain. Once inside, they can trigger inflammation in brain tissue, potentially harming brain cells over time. The relationship between obesity and amygdala volume was particularly pronounced in those with very high obesity levels, suggesting a strong link between body fat and emotional regulation, according to De Moraes. Other regions, such as the thalamus and caudate, also showed volume changes, but to a lesser extent. The thalamus acts like the brain's central relay station, helping process and direct information to other regions. The caudate nucleus is involved in processing visual information and controlling movement. Socioeconomic factors also emerged as a key influence on brain development. Teenagers living in areas with limited access to quality education, safe parks, and healthy food showed less growth in key brain areas such as the hippocampus, putamen, and amygdala. 1 in 3 U.S. Teens Will Be Obese by 2050 The research comes amid alarming trends in childhood and adolescent obesity. The proportion of children and teens aged 5 to 19 carrying excess weight has more than Research published in December in Researchers warn that if current trends continue, by 2050, nearly one in three teens and two in three adults will be obese in the United States. Strategies for Healthier Brain Development To support healthy brain development and reduce obesity risk in teenagers, Killiner recommends several evidence-based approaches: Prioritize whole foods: Focus on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, lean proteins, and healthy fats—especially omega-3s, which support brain health. Establish regular meal patterns: Consistent meals throughout the day help maintain stable blood sugar levels and curb overeating. Reduce ultra-processed foods: Limit sugary drinks, packaged snacks, and takeaway foods, which often contribute to inflammation and weight gain. Share meals as a family: Eating together encourages healthy habits and open communication. Build teen food autonomy: Encourage teens to make food choices and learn basic cooking skills to build confidence in healthy decision-making. Certain dietary patterns may specifically benefit adolescent cognitive and emotional health. 'The Mediterranean diet is a good option for adolescents, as it is rich in antioxidants, fiber, and unsaturated fats reducing inflammation, a key factor in both obesity and neurodevelopmental risk,' Killiner said, recommending the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet—a hybrid of Mediterranean and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diets. 'This study is a sharp reminder that adolescent obesity is not solely a weight issue, it may also influence brain structure and emotional regulation,' Killiner said. 'We must act early with supportive, nonjudgmental interventions that focus on nourishment rather than restriction.'
South Wales Guardian
11-05-2025
- Health
- South Wales Guardian
Excess belly fat ‘impairs learning, memory and emotion control in teenagers'
Key brain areas were found to be larger in youngsters carrying excess weight around the abdomen. Researchers said the findings are 'particularly alarming' given the importance of adolescence when it comes to brain development. They suggest that tackling obesity among children will not only improve physical health, but could also improve brain health. For the study, which is being presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Malaga, data from 3,320 children taking part in an ongoing US study on how childhood experiences impact brain development and health were analysed. The average age of the group was nine, with youngsters recruited from cities across 17 US states and followed for four years, from 2016 to 2018 and from 2020 to 2022. The children were categorised on obesity status, with more than a third (34.6%) classed as having abdominal obesity, which was determined by measuring waist circumference. MRI scans revealed several regions of the brain had more volume in youngsters carrying excess belly fat compared to those without. The biggest changes were in the hippocampus, which plays a crucial role in memory formation, and the amygdala, the brain's emotional centre that is particularly involved in processing fear and anxiety. The hippocampus was found to be around 6.6% larger, while the amygdala was about 4.3% bigger. Dr Augusto Cesar F De Moraes, of UTHealth Houston School of Public Health in Austin, said: 'Our findings suggest that obesity, particularly abdominal obesity, can impair teenagers' learning, memory and control of emotions. 'I worry about how these changes, which are occurring at the age of 13 or 14, might affect them later in life. 'This is particularly alarming, given that the teenage years are such an important time for brain development. 'There's even a chance they could be at a higher risk of things like memory problems or dementia as they get older. 'That's why we believe supporting healthier habits early on is so important, not just for physical health, but for brain health too. 'Treating and preventing adolescent obesity won't only improve health – it may improve brain health, too.' The study also found children from more deprived areas had reduced development in a number of areas in the brain, including the hippocampus and amygdala, as well as the putamen, the brain structure involved in learning and motor control. Dr De Moraes added: 'This difference was even more pronounced among adolescents with persistent abdominal obesity. 'It highlights the urgent need to address both social inequality and health risks to support not only physical wellbeing but also healthy brain development in youth.'
Leader Live
11-05-2025
- Health
- Leader Live
Excess belly fat ‘impairs learning, memory and emotion control in teenagers'
Key brain areas were found to be larger in youngsters carrying excess weight around the abdomen. Researchers said the findings are 'particularly alarming' given the importance of adolescence when it comes to brain development. They suggest that tackling obesity among children will not only improve physical health, but could also improve brain health. For the study, which is being presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Malaga, data from 3,320 children taking part in an ongoing US study on how childhood experiences impact brain development and health were analysed. The average age of the group was nine, with youngsters recruited from cities across 17 US states and followed for four years, from 2016 to 2018 and from 2020 to 2022. The children were categorised on obesity status, with more than a third (34.6%) classed as having abdominal obesity, which was determined by measuring waist circumference. MRI scans revealed several regions of the brain had more volume in youngsters carrying excess belly fat compared to those without. The biggest changes were in the hippocampus, which plays a crucial role in memory formation, and the amygdala, the brain's emotional centre that is particularly involved in processing fear and anxiety. The hippocampus was found to be around 6.6% larger, while the amygdala was about 4.3% bigger. Dr Augusto Cesar F De Moraes, of UTHealth Houston School of Public Health in Austin, said: 'Our findings suggest that obesity, particularly abdominal obesity, can impair teenagers' learning, memory and control of emotions. 'I worry about how these changes, which are occurring at the age of 13 or 14, might affect them later in life. 'This is particularly alarming, given that the teenage years are such an important time for brain development. 'There's even a chance they could be at a higher risk of things like memory problems or dementia as they get older. 'That's why we believe supporting healthier habits early on is so important, not just for physical health, but for brain health too. 'Treating and preventing adolescent obesity won't only improve health – it may improve brain health, too.' The study also found children from more deprived areas had reduced development in a number of areas in the brain, including the hippocampus and amygdala, as well as the putamen, the brain structure involved in learning and motor control. Dr De Moraes added: 'This difference was even more pronounced among adolescents with persistent abdominal obesity. 'It highlights the urgent need to address both social inequality and health risks to support not only physical wellbeing but also healthy brain development in youth.'
North Wales Chronicle
11-05-2025
- Health
- North Wales Chronicle
Excess belly fat ‘impairs learning, memory and emotion control in teenagers'
Key brain areas were found to be larger in youngsters carrying excess weight around the abdomen. Researchers said the findings are 'particularly alarming' given the importance of adolescence when it comes to brain development. They suggest that tackling obesity among children will not only improve physical health, but could also improve brain health. For the study, which is being presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Malaga, data from 3,320 children taking part in an ongoing US study on how childhood experiences impact brain development and health were analysed. The average age of the group was nine, with youngsters recruited from cities across 17 US states and followed for four years, from 2016 to 2018 and from 2020 to 2022. The children were categorised on obesity status, with more than a third (34.6%) classed as having abdominal obesity, which was determined by measuring waist circumference. MRI scans revealed several regions of the brain had more volume in youngsters carrying excess belly fat compared to those without. The biggest changes were in the hippocampus, which plays a crucial role in memory formation, and the amygdala, the brain's emotional centre that is particularly involved in processing fear and anxiety. The hippocampus was found to be around 6.6% larger, while the amygdala was about 4.3% bigger. Dr Augusto Cesar F De Moraes, of UTHealth Houston School of Public Health in Austin, said: 'Our findings suggest that obesity, particularly abdominal obesity, can impair teenagers' learning, memory and control of emotions. 'I worry about how these changes, which are occurring at the age of 13 or 14, might affect them later in life. 'This is particularly alarming, given that the teenage years are such an important time for brain development. 'There's even a chance they could be at a higher risk of things like memory problems or dementia as they get older. 'That's why we believe supporting healthier habits early on is so important, not just for physical health, but for brain health too. 'Treating and preventing adolescent obesity won't only improve health – it may improve brain health, too.' The study also found children from more deprived areas had reduced development in a number of areas in the brain, including the hippocampus and amygdala, as well as the putamen, the brain structure involved in learning and motor control. Dr De Moraes added: 'This difference was even more pronounced among adolescents with persistent abdominal obesity. 'It highlights the urgent need to address both social inequality and health risks to support not only physical wellbeing but also healthy brain development in youth.'
Rhyl Journal
10-05-2025
- Health
- Rhyl Journal
Excess belly fat ‘impairs learning, memory and emotion control in teenagers'
Key brain areas were found to be larger in youngsters carrying excess weight around the abdomen. Researchers said the findings are 'particularly alarming' given the importance of adolescence when it comes to brain development. They suggest that tackling obesity among children will not only improve physical health, but could also improve brain health. For the study, which is being presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Malaga, data from 3,320 children taking part in an ongoing US study on how childhood experiences impact brain development and health were analysed. The average age of the group was nine, with youngsters recruited from cities across 17 US states and followed for four years, from 2016 to 2018 and from 2020 to 2022. The children were categorised on obesity status, with more than a third (34.6%) classed as having abdominal obesity, which was determined by measuring waist circumference. MRI scans revealed several regions of the brain had more volume in youngsters carrying excess belly fat compared to those without. The biggest changes were in the hippocampus, which plays a crucial role in memory formation, and the amygdala, the brain's emotional centre that is particularly involved in processing fear and anxiety. The hippocampus was found to be around 6.6% larger, while the amygdala was about 4.3% bigger. Dr Augusto Cesar F De Moraes, of UTHealth Houston School of Public Health in Austin, said: 'Our findings suggest that obesity, particularly abdominal obesity, can impair teenagers' learning, memory and control of emotions. 'I worry about how these changes, which are occurring at the age of 13 or 14, might affect them later in life. 'This is particularly alarming, given that the teenage years are such an important time for brain development. 'There's even a chance they could be at a higher risk of things like memory problems or dementia as they get older. 'That's why we believe supporting healthier habits early on is so important, not just for physical health, but for brain health too. 'Treating and preventing adolescent obesity won't only improve health – it may improve brain health, too.' The study also found children from more deprived areas had reduced development in a number of areas in the brain, including the hippocampus and amygdala, as well as the putamen, the brain structure involved in learning and motor control. Dr De Moraes added: 'This difference was even more pronounced among adolescents with persistent abdominal obesity. 'It highlights the urgent need to address both social inequality and health risks to support not only physical wellbeing but also healthy brain development in youth.'
