Regular overeating may affect brain function

2/21/2012

While many obese people want to lose weight and change their dietary habits, some individuals may not understand how dangerous overeating can be. A recent study conducted by researchers from the Mayo Clinic found that eating too many calories a day may impact the brain.  Employee wellness programs can educate workers on the importance of eating right to keep the mind and body healthy as they age.

The scientists discovered that consuming between 2,100 and 6,000 calories per day may double the risk of memory loss, or mild cognitive impairment (MCI), among people aged 70 and older. Researchers gave study participants a questionnaire about how much they eat each day. They found that the more calories an individual reported eating on a daily basis, the higher the chance that he or she would develop MCI.

MCI is defined as memory impairment that is worse than the regular kind that comes with aging, yet not as bad as Alzheimer's disease.

According to the researchers, these findings suggest that cutting calories may be an effective way to prevent mild memory loss.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that obesity-related conditions may include heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer. These results suggest that memory loss may one day be added to that list. 

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