Highlights
- Obese people are at a constant risk of developing dementia
- Five BMI units is equal to 14.5 kilogram for a person
- To avoid or delay dementia, it is imperative to choose to eat healthy
Obese people are at a constant risk of developing dementia than those with a normal weight, as per the study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia Journal. The researchers found that each five-unit increase in the body mass index (BMI) was associated with a 16-33 percent of higher risk of this condition. Five BMI units is equal to 14.5 kilogram for a person who is five feet and seven inch tall. The study suggests that maintaining a healthy weight could control or at least delay dementia.
The researchers also found that people near dementia onset, who then go on to develop dementia, tend to have lower body weight than their dementia-free counterparts. "The BMI-dementia association observed in longitudinal population studies, such as ours, is actually attributable to two processes," said lead author of the study, Professor Mika Kivimaki of University College London. One is an adverse effect of excess body fat on dementia risk and the other is weight loss due to pre-clinical dementia.
"For this reason, people who develop dementia may have a higher-than-average body mass index some 20 years before dementia onset, but close to overt dementia have a lower BMI than those who remain healthy," Kivimaki said.
To avoid or delay dementia, it is imperative to choose to eat healthy. Add these foods to your daily diet and see your body losing the extra fat; also, with the help of some exercise.
1. Whole grains
Whole grains help in fat reduction and should be included as the part of daily food intake. They are rich in B vitamins, vitamin E, magnesium and fiber that help maintain blood glucose levels and regulate your metabolism.
2. Apples
Apples are power packed with pectin, a chemical that combines with water and limits the amount of fats absorbed by the body cells. Apples are loaded with fiber, the consumption of which keeps you fuller for longer. So bite into at least one apple per day.
3. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is one of the most effective spice that helps in burning fat. It helps in regulating blood sugar levels and reduces high cholesterol levels. Steady blood sugar levels help in preventing cravings and keep you energetic through the day.
4. Green leafy vegetables
Add more greens to your diet, thanks to winter that we can find these vegetables easily. They are low in calories and are high in fiber and also have high amounts of calcium and vitamin C. The vegetables not only help in losing weight but also cleanse the body.
With Inputs from IANS