A new study has found that severely overweight individuals tend to suffer from reduced brain plasticity. In situations where someone suffers from obesity, the brain is unable to rewire itself and reroute information paths as needed. If someone with this issue were to have a stroke, the likelihood of permanent disability, persistent speech issues, and even death go up dramatically as the brain is not able to change how it works as easily to account for the new needs presented by the stroke.
In order to determine this, researchers looked at two population samples, those that were severely overweight and those that were of a healthy weight. Electrical stimulation was applied to the brains of each individual that participated in the study. Those that were of a healthy weight had excessive neuron stimulation, indicating that the brain was highly flexible and that information was being rerouted. Those that were obese has much less stimulation, indicating that some sort of impairment was in place.
This study was conducted by the University of South Australia. It is the first major study of its kind and has huge implications for future research. They published their results in the scientific journal, Brain Sciences.
This study also points to the continued importance of weight loss. Maintaining a healthy weight isn’t just important for heart health reasons. Obesity has a far wider reach than this. Other areas of the body are also negatively impacted when this part of health is neglected. In other words, keeping your body at a healthy weight helps improve multiple areas of health at the same time. It’s a big win when it comes to what your health forecast will be for years to come.
Luckily, there are things that everyone can do to start maintaining a healthy weight right away. A healthy diet, proper exercise, avoiding alcohol, getting enough sleep, drinking enough liquids, and managing health conditions all tie in to helping with weight loss. More than likely, we all have areas here that we can improve upon. What’s important is finding a method that works for you, following it in a healthy manner, and sticking with it over the long term. It might not be easy, but it’s certainly going to help improve your health.
You may not see results right away, but it’s possible to live healthier. If you do have more questions about what you can do to help yourself or a loved one lose a few pounds and start living healthier, please contact a physician. Obesity doesn’t have to be a struggle that you fight on your own. There are plenty of resources out there you can use on your journey. It’s a tough one, but the improved health benefits that come along with it are worth it.
A stroke can cause devastating health effects, regardless of the prior health of the person that suffers from it. It can lead to a lifelong need for senior care. If you find that your family needs help in this area, we can be a good resource. Call us today to learn how we can help.
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