LONDON: Studies have shown that obesity (especially excess fat in the arms and abdomen) and lack of physical activity can also increase the risk of mental disorders such as dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
There has been a rapid increase in the number of people suffering from mental illnesses. According to an analysis, by 2050, approximately 153 million people worldwide will be living with dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
Recent studies have shown that factors such as obesity and lack of physical activity can increase the risk of dementia and Parkinson’s. Conversely, maintaining a healthy weight and exercising can reduce the risk.
A study using data from the UK Biobank found that the location of obesity can also affect the risk of mental disorders.
In this study, published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, researchers say that excess fat in the abdomen and upper arms may increase the risk of these disorders, while increased muscle mass may reduce the risk. can be reduced.