Cognitive Function and Obesity: Does High BMI Kill Brain Cells?I recently found a disturbing study that linked obesity and its negative effects on cognitive function (Neurology, Oct. 10, 2006). The researchers gathered data from 2,223 healthy adults in 1996 and 2001. They found a significant association between higher body mass index (BMI) and lower cognitive function. Although the cause is not known the head of the study, Maxime Cournot of Toulouse University Hospital, speculated the cardiovascular effects of obesity may damage arteries in the brain. She also determine hormones associated with obesity may damage brain cells. On the positive side, a study of 460 surviving participants of the Scottish Mental Survey of 1932 has significantly linked physical fitness with better cognitive aging. When children are physically active the level of brain endorphins increases. Endorphins are a class of neurotransmitters that relax us into a state of cortical awareness and reduce symptoms of depression. Endorphins also play a positive role in memory, learning, response to stress, emotions and pain. Swedish neuroscientist, Dr. Germund Hesslow states, "All things being equal, a physically active child will have an advantage in learning and that an inactive child is at a disadvantage for learning." Harry Chugani, a pediatric neurologist, said "It is the experiences of childhood, determining which neurons are used, that wire the circuits of the brain as surely as a programmer at the keyboard reconfigures the circuits in a computer. Which keys are typed, or which experiences a child has, determines whether the child grows up to be intelligent or dull, fearful or self assured, articulate or tongue-tied. Early experiences are so powerful that they completely change the way a person turns out." That's why physical activity is so critical. Exercise produces a chemically rich environment that promotes brain growth. So, if we want to help our children to excel in school, they must have structured physical activity. When they do, mental focus and concentration improve significantly. Conversely students who sit for longer than 20 minutes experience a decrease in the flow of BCNF, a brain-derived neurotropic factor that enables one neuron to communicate with another. Recess, along with other types of physical activity, is one way students can trigger sharper learning skills. There is a body of research that supports the importance of play in early brain development. Motor development sets the stage for brain processes used later in life for problem solving. Eric Jensen, at the fragile Brain Conference went even further to conclude physical movement, activity, and exercise can help control many conditions such as A.D.D. and Dyslexia. The GYMTR!X programs give kids a healthy start to a lifetime of physical activity and fitness! This life-long habit of physical activity will give kids a hedge against obesity and improve cognitive function!
|