- As of 2016, more than 650 million adults globally had obesity, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
- Previous studies have linked obesity to a greater risk for cognitive decline.
- Researchers from University College London provide evidence to cast doubt on a causal link between obesity and cognitive ability.
In 2016, more than 1.9 billion adults worldwide were overweight, of which
Current projections state by 2025 that number will
Previous research shows obesity as a potential risk factor for a number of diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease,
Additionally, past studies have linked obesity to a greater risk for
Now researchers from University College London cast doubt on a causal link between obesity and cognitive ability. They believe the existing findings linking
The study was recently published in the journal PLOS Medicine.
A person has obesity if their current weight is too high for their height.
The most common way of defining whether a person has obesity or not is through the body mass index (BMI).
This
- Underweight: BMI of less than 18.5
- Healthy: BMI of 18.5-24.9
- Overweight: BMI of 25-29.9
- Obese: BMI of 30 or more
As children and teens are still growing, they require a
However, the BMI measurement does have its flaws. It cannot determine whether a person’s weight is fat or muscle. Additionally, it does not take into account a person’s bone density, race, or overall body composition….
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