Being overweight is more likely to suffer from dementia
The middle-aged overweight but without becoming obese are 71% more likely to develop dementia than those with normal weight, says a study published in the journal Neurology.
The research, by experts at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, was made between 8534 and Swedish twins indicates that slightly overweight may be a risk factor. Previous studies indicated that there might be a link between obesity and dementia, but this is the first to make this relationship with a few extra kilos.
Middle-aged people with a body mass index (BMI, the association between weight and height of an individual) greater than 30, considered obese, have a 288% more likely to develop dementia than those with a BMI between 20 and 25.
But the people considered overweight, with a BMI between 25 and 30 – have a 71% chance of developing these neurological disorders, the study said.
Dr. Weili Xu, said the Swedish Institute, told the BBC that this study emphasizes that “being overweight is also a risk (of developing) dementia later on.” While the danger is not so great as when you’re obese “has a relevance to public health by the large number of people around the world who are overweight,” he added.
According to the research, 1,600 million adults worldwide have several kilos more. In this regard, Dr Susanne Sorensen, head of research at the Alzheimer’s Society, said the study reinforces the evidence that had so far on this link.