A groundbreaking study has issued a stark warning: those with beer bellies and “bingo wings” could be at a higher risk of succumbing to dementia and Parkinson’s disease. The research indicates that individuals sporting significant amounts of fat in their midsection or upper arms are more susceptible to these neurodegenerative conditions compared to those with lower fat levels in these areas.
Alarmingly, the study revealed that individuals with substantial “bingo wing” arm fat are 18% more likely to fall prey to such diseases, while those carrying excess belly fat face a 13% increased risk. Published in the esteemed journal Neurology, the research also suggests a silver lining maintaining high muscle strength could offer a shield against dementia and Parkinson’s, contrasting with the vulnerability seen in those with weaker muscles.
The study’s lead researcher, Professor Huan Song, emphasised the gravity of the situation, stating: “These neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s affect over 60 million people worldwide, and that number is expected to grow as the population ages, so it’s crucial that we identify ways to modify risk factors to develop some preventive tools.”
Professor Song further highlighted the significance of the findings, suggesting that “This study highlights the potential to lessen people’s risk of developing these diseases by improving their body composition. Targeted interventions to reduce trunk and arm fat while promoting healthy muscle development may be more effective for protection against these diseases than general weight control.”
The research, which involved 412,691 Britons with an average age of 56, was conducted over an average period of nine years. Initial measurements were taken for body composition, including waist and hip measurements, grip strength, bone density, and fat and lean mass, reports Wales Online.
During the study, 8,224 participants developed neurodegenerative diseases – primarily Alzheimer’s disease, other forms of dementia, and Parkinson’s.
The male participants in the study who had high levels of belly fat developed neurodegenerative diseases at a rate of 3.38 per 1,000 person-years, compared to 1.82 cases per 1,000 person-years for those with low levels of belly fat. Among the female participants, the rates were 2.55 for high levels and 1.39 for low levels.
Prof Song explained that person-years represent both the number of people in the study and the amount of time each person spends in the study.
After adjusting for other factors that could affect the rate of disease, such as high blood pressure, smoking and drinking status, and diabetes, the Chinese research team discovered that overall, individuals with high levels of belly fat were 13% more likely to develop the diseases than those with low levels of belly fat.
People with high levels of arm fat were 18% more likely to develop the diseases than those with low levels of arm fat. Those with high muscle strength were 26% less likely to develop the diseases than those with low levels of strength.
Prof Song, from Sichuan University, has highlighted the link between body composition and neurodegenerative diseases, noting that cardiovascular conditions like heart disease and stroke, which may develop after the study begins, partly explain this relationship.
She emphasised: “This underscores the importance of managing these cardiovascular diseases right away to help prevent or delay the development of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or other degenerative diseases.”