Published on March 31, 2008 at 4:22 AM
According to a new study overweight or obese people are at an increased risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer's disease.
The study, by researchers at the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in Oakland, California has found a link between middle-age spread and the onset of dementia and Alzheimer's disease in people over 70.
The researchers say people should do what they can to avoid gaining weight during their 40's to lessen the risk.
The study which involved more than 6,000 adults, found that the more fat people gained during their 40's, the greater their risk was of developing dementia or Alzheimer's in their 70's.
Research scientist Dr. Rachel A. Whitmer says independent of total weight, a large belly is a potent predictor of dementia.
There is already concern among many experts that the rising rates of obesity worldwide will mean many new cases of dementia related brain conditions will be diagnosed in the next decades.
It has been known for sometime that obesity dramatically increases a person's risk of developing dementia.
A large stomach is also associated with high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes which are all major risk factors for dementia.
The study is published in the journal Neurology.