People in their 40s with large stomachs have a higher risk for dementia when they reach their 70s, according a recent study. (R. A. Whitmer et al. Neurology published March 26, 2008 as doi:10.1212/01.wnl.0000306313.89165.ef.)

Researchers studied 6,583 people age 40 to 45 who had their waist size measured and then followed up with them 36 years later. 16% of the participants with large bellies had dementia. In fact, those who were overweight and had a large belly were 2.3 times more likely to develop dementia than people with a normal weight and belly size. People who were both obese and had a large belly were 3.6 times more likely to develop dementia than those of normal weight and belly size. Those who were overweight or obese but did not have a large abdomen were 80% more likely to be diagnosed with dementia.

The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: If you are overweight, you know have yet another reason to shed this extra weight. According to study author Rachel Whitmer, PhD, a research scientist at the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in Oakland, CA, “It is well known that being overweight in midlife and beyond increases risk factors for disease. However, where one carries the weight—especially in midlife— appears to be an important predictor for dementia risk.”

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Written exclusively for Stop Aging Now, the authority on anti-aging research, anti-aging nutrition, and anti-aging supplements.