Middle-Age Weight Loss May Harm Brain Health, Study Warns
A new study by Israeli researchers suggests that weight loss in middle age could have unexpected effects on brain health. The findings, published in GeroScience, reveal that while losing weight improved blood sugar levels in mice, it also triggered inflammation in a critical brain region.
The research team, led by Professor Assaf Rudich, examined the impact of diet-induced obesity and subsequent weight loss in both young and middle-aged mice. After forcing the animals to overeat, scientists helped them shed the extra weight. Younger mice showed clear health benefits, but middle-aged rodents experienced a different outcome.
Though their blood sugar levels dropped, these older mice developed increased neuroinflammation—specifically in the hypothalamus, a brain area that controls appetite and energy. The study notes that one mouse year roughly equals 40 human years, raising questions about similar effects in people. Rudich pointed to existing epidemiological data linking weight loss in middle-aged humans to higher mortality rates. He suggested that gradual, careful weight reduction might be safer for this age group. However, he stressed that more research is needed before firm recommendations can be made. The long-term impact of this inflammation remains unclear. Scientists warn it could potentially affect cognitive function or overall brain health over time.
The findings highlight a possible trade-off for middle-aged individuals losing weight. While metabolic improvements were observed, the rise in brain inflammation introduces new concerns. Further studies will be required to determine whether these effects apply to humans and how they might influence health outcomes.
