Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev reported that reducing deep abdominal fat may slow brain aging, based on a study tracking 533 middle-aged adults for up to 16 years. The study used repeated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to measure changes in brain structure and abdominal fat.
Published in the journal Obesity, the research found that participants who lost deep abdominal fat—also known as visceral fat—showed less decline in brain volume over time. The study included adults from Israel and other countries, with an average age of 51 at the start.
Lead researcher Prof. Iris Shai noted that the findings suggest lifestyle interventions targeting visceral fat could help preserve cognitive function. The study was supported by the Israel Science Foundation and other grants.
