Can Obesity Cause Brain Death?

Obesity is primarily associated with weight gain; a new research study suggests it triggers inflammation in the nervous system that could damage important regions of the brain especially the central nervous system of the brain. Developments in Magnetic resonance image, same as diffusion tensor imaging, a technique that tracks the diffusion of water along the brain's signal-carrying white matter tracts have enabled scientists to study this damage directly.

"The changes in Brain were found in obese adolescents related to regions responsible for the control of appetite, emotions, and cognitive functions. The studies revealed that obesity and high blood pressure - both alone and in combination had a negative impact on brainpower in men but not in women.

Scientists say men may be more liable because they tend to accumulate fat in their abdomen rather than in other parts of the body. Previous studies have revealed that this type of apple-shaped fat transfer carries a much higher degree of health risks than the pear-shaped fat transfer commonly found in women. The study didn't reveal possible explanations for the decline in mental ability coupled with obesity, but some scientists say several factors might play a role. For example, the study patients may have suffered from heart disease risk, the factors which were undetectable 50 years ago, which were not accounted for by this study. But they also say that other social and psychological factors correlated with obesity and overeating, such as depression and anxiety, may have also afflicted the decline in brain function found by the study.

Other researchers say that obesity may damage the functioning of the brain by making it harder for blood to reach the brain that is very difficult to cross the blood-brain barrier. Similar to high blood pressure and heart disease.