Obesity damages the biochemical pathway and leaves the brain without its main fuel
Summary
Obesity affects glucose transport to the brain, causing neurocognitive deficits and potential health complications.
Obesity is associated with a variety of health complications, as well as changes in eating behavior and brain function. Now, a study in the journal Obesity, published in late May, has shown that the condition also creates an environment that causes a deficit in glucose transport to the brain, which can be potentially detrimental to neurocognitive health.
“The brain is fueled almost exclusively by glucose. When excessive carbohydrate consumption occurs, to minimize glucotoxic effects on neurons, the concentration of glucose in the cerebral interstitium is adjusted to about 20% of blood glucose. The glucose supply to the brain in resting conditions is regulated to a level that is just sufficient. The study highlighted a worrying problem: glucose transport is lower in obese individuals, which directly affects the brain’s absorption of its greatest fuel,” explains nutritionist Marcella Garcez, director and professor of the Brazilian Association of Nutrology.
“It is important to highlight that local energy demand increases largely during neuronal activation, such as during sensory stimulation, physical exercise and mental activity, because a lot of energy is consumed during neuronal excitation and synaptic neurotransmission. Therefore, obesity can compromise the resources needed for proper brain function,” adds the doctor.
In other words, mental fatigue, exhaustion, lack of attention and concentration, as well as memory loss may occur.
The “conversation” of neurons
The relationship between food and the brain is increasingly being studied. Different nutrients can be good or bad for brain function, affecting cognition, memory, and mental health.
“Our neurons, for example, ‘talk’ to each other through neurotransmitters. Different foods have the ability to modulate, increasing or decreasing some neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, determining different symptoms for the patient,” adds the doctor.
“But it’s not just the nutritional issue that needs to be considered. Diseases like obesity can also affect brain function, independent of nutrient intake,” he says.
In the study, a total of 11 lean participants and seven young participants with obesity (and no related comorbidities) underwent magnetic resonance spectroscopy coupled with a hyperglycemia meter to measure brain glucose, glucose uptake and metabolism, as well as markers of peripheral insulin resistance.
“Obesity subjects demonstrated a 20% lower brain glucose uptake rate relative to brain glucose metabolic rate compared to lean participants,” the doctor comments.
“These human findings suggest that obesity is associated with impaired glucose transport capacity in the brain, even at a young age and in the absence of other cardiometabolic comorbidities, which may have implications for brain function and long-term health. This also adds another concern that we should all have about obesity, which is a public health problem and physicians must be prepared to treat the condition with a multidisciplinary team,” concludes the nutritionist.
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Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
