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Heath: A new study based on MRI scans has revealed that lower levels of abdominal fat in middle age may significantly slow down brain aging and help preserve cognitive abilities later in life. Researchers found that people with less visceral fat showed slower brain shrinkage and better thinking and memory performance over time.
The findings were published in the journal Nature Communications after researchers analyzed brain and abdominal MRI scans of 533 men and women over a period of 16 years.
Strong connection found between belly fat and brain aging
During the study, scientists repeatedly measured participants’ visceral fat — the harmful fat stored deep inside the abdomen — along with brain structure changes and cognitive performance.
Researchers discovered that consistently high levels of visceral fat were linked to faster shrinking of important brain regions, especially the hippocampus, which plays a major role in memory and learning. They also observed enlargement of brain ventricles, another sign associated with brain aging.
According to the study, the relationship between abdominal fat and brain aging appears to be strongly connected to glucose regulation and insulin sensitivity.
What is visceral fat?
Visceral Fat is the fat stored deep inside the abdomen around organs such as the liver and intestines. It is often referred to as “hidden fat” because it cannot always be seen from the outside. Health experts consider it more dangerous than regular fat stored under the skin.
Subcutaneous fat showed fewer harmful effects
Researchers noted that fat stored under the skin, known as subcutaneous fat, did not show the same level of harmful impact on brain health.
The study suggests that continuously reducing visceral fat — rather than focusing only on overall weight loss — may help protect brain structure and maintain cognitive performance for years.
Scientists also found that participants who reduced abdominal fat during an 18-month dietary intervention later showed better preservation of brain structures even after five to ten years.
In simple terms, the study indicates that keeping belly fat under control may help the brain stay healthier for a longer time.
