Research Reveals Larger Brain Regions in Adolescents with Abdominal Obesity

Recent research presented at the European Congress on Obesity highlights a significant association between abdominal obesity and increased size of key brain regions in teenagers. The study, conducted across the United States with thousands of participants aged around 10 years, found that adolescents with excess abdominal fat exhibit larger volumes in specific areas such as the hippocampus and amygdala. The hippocampus, essential for learning and memory, was approximately 6.6% larger, while the amygdala, involved in emotional regulation, was about 4.3% larger in teens with abdominal obesity compared to their peers. Notably, the amygdala was especially enlarged in adolescents with very high levels of abdominal fat, raising concerns about how excess body fat may influence emotional processing.

The study also observed smaller increases in the size of the thalamus and caudate among these teenagers. Furthermore, adolescents from socioeconomically disadvantaged environments showed reduced growth in vital brain areas, such as the hippocampus and amygdala, with these effects being more pronounced in those with persistent abdominal obesity. This indicates that social inequalities and health disparities can compound the negative impacts of obesity on brain development.

The findings suggest that abnormal brain growth patterns—either excessive or diminished—can be harmful, especially during the critical phases of teenage brain development. Dr. Augusto César F. De Moraes emphasized that obesity, especially abdominal obesity, may impair learning, memory, and emotional regulation in adolescents, potentially affecting their long-term cognitive health. He stressed the importance of early interventions focusing on healthier lifestyle habits, not only to improve physical health but also to promote optimal brain development in youth. Addressing obesity early could reduce the risk of future cognitive issues, including memory problems or dementia.

This study underlines the importance of comprehensive strategies combining social, behavioral, and health initiatives to support healthy brain growth and overall well-being in adolescents.