The hypothalamus, a small region in the brain, was significantly larger in young adults who had obesity or were overweight in a new study published in the journal Neuroimage: Clinical.
Researchers also reported there was a significant relationship between the volume of the hypothalamus and body mass index (BMI) among study participants.
The hypothalamus works as a
The researchers pointed out that previous research on animals shows that there are interacting pathways between the hypothalamus and other cell populations acting together in the brain’s “appetite control center” to tell us when we are hungry and when we are full.
The researchers suggest that inflammation may play a role in these brain relationships.
For example, they explain that previous animal studies show that high-fat diets cause inflammation of the hypothalamus and can lead to insulin resistance and obesity.
Some
The researchers employed an algorithm that used machine learning to analyze scans of 1,351 young adults with a range of BMI scores. They found that the hypothalamus was significantly larger in those with obesity or overweight.
The researchers did not determine whether the inflammation is a cause or consequence.
“We knew the hypothalamus was involved with hunger,” said Dr. Mir Ali, a bariatric surgeon and medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in California. “But we have so much more to learn.”
“One concern is inflammation. The researchers suggest this could play a role, but if there is inflammation in any part of the brain, it is very serious,” Ali told Medical News Today. “We must look at all factors that might contribute to a person’s obesity. The hypothalamus might be one. Physicians can check their patient’s hormone level, but problems with this are rare.”
“We should treat obesity as a long-term illness,” he added. “There are new medications available that are very effective. But these should be used as a tool to help people make long-term changes, not as the only treatment.”
The
A BMI of more than 25 is considered overweight and over 30 is considered obese.
According to the
Obesity and overweight increase the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer.
These conditions are among the leading causes of preventable, premature death.
They are also associated with poorer mental health outcomes and reduced quality of life.
Experts say getting to a healthy weight is not easy. Often, people need help.
Ali suggests starting with your primary care doctor for a full evaluation and having any health issues addressed before starting a diet and exercise program.
“Look closely at your diet and start with small changes and build upon those. The same goes for exercise,” he said. “For people with a BMI between 30 and 40, diet and exercise interventions, including medications might work. However, for people with a BMI of over 40, weight loss surgery might be necessary.”
Anne Danahy, a registered dietician and the owner of the website Craving Something Healthy, offers the following tips to Medical News Today for reducing your weight:
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