Study Links Visceral Fat to Brain Health Benefits in Younger Adults

Research finds a protein produced by belly fat supports brain function, but benefits diminish with age and excess fat poses health risks.

A Japanese study published in GeroScience identifies CX3CL1, a protein from visceral fat, as crucial for maintaining brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports memory and cognitive function.
Findings show younger mice with healthy visceral fat levels had stronger brain function due to higher CX3CL1 production, while older mice experienced a decline in both CX3CL1 and BDNF levels.
Supplementing CX3CL1 in older mice restored BDNF levels, suggesting potential therapeutic avenues for combating age-related cognitive decline.
Excess visceral fat remains harmful, linked to diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, highlighting the importance of maintaining balanced fat levels.
The study underscores the interconnectedness of body systems but cautions that findings in mice may not fully translate to humans and require further research.