Frequent, dramatic weight changes in middle age might be more than just frustrating—they could increase your risk of early-onset dementia. A new study led by Ryu Ji Won from Bundang Seoul National University Hospital and Yoon Hyung Jin from Seoul National University Hospital has shed light on the link between weight cycling (those fluctuations in your weight from gain to loss and back again) and the risk of developing dementia earlier in life.
The research team analyzed data from over 3.6 million South Koreans aged 40 to 64 who had undergone multiple health screenings. They tracked these individuals for ten years, assessing weight changes across different ranges—specifically, changes of more than 3%, 5%, 7%, and 10% compared to previous body weights.
The findings? If your weight fluctuates by more than 3%, your risk of dementia jumps by 20%. However, the risk can double for those experiencing fluctuations over 10%. Particularly concerning is that people whose weight swung by more than 10% at least twice over the 10-year follow-up had a 2.5 times greater risk of dementia. Those with a higher body mass index (BMI of 25 or more) faced an even bigger risk when dealing with these weight swings than individuals with a lower BMI.
So, what’s the takeaway? Larger and more frequent weight shifts—whether rapid loss followed by gain or vice versa—could be putting your brain at risk, potentially contributing to early-onset dementia.
Ryu emphasized the importance of stable weight management, stating, “Excessive fluctuations in weight can lead to metabolic stress and other adverse effects on the body. Therefore, individuals over middle age should focus on maintaining a stable, healthy weight.”
In short, keeping your weight in check is about more than just how you look—it’s about protecting your brain health for the future.
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