An 'invisible fat' that is concealed deep within the body can accelerate brain aging and increase the risk of Alzheimer's, according to recent research.

This type of fat, known as visceral fat, is not visible or tangible as it does not lie just beneath the skin; instead, it envelops essential internal organs within the abdominal cavity.

How gorgeous bodies are builtHaving increased muscle mass and reduced visceral fat may lower your risk of Alzheimer’sCredit: Getty

American researchers indicated that excessive amounts of this fat can accelerate brain aging, heightening the risk of diseases such as Alzheimer's.

Their study revealed that possessing a specific body composition—greater muscle mass and lower visceral fat—can contribute to maintaining brain health.

Professor Cyrus Raji, the senior author of the study, stated: “Healthier bodies with increased muscle mass and less hidden abdominal fat are more likely to have youthful, healthy brains.”

“Better brain health, in turn, reduces the risk of future brain diseases, such as Alzheimer’s.”

He elaborated that researchers evaluated brain age using structural brain MRI scans.

Additionally, muscle mass was monitored through body MRI scans.

The researchers noted that both evaluations could assist in developing treatments aimed at reducing frailty and enhancing brain health.

They also mentioned that estimating brain age from structural brain scans might help identify Alzheimer’s risk factors, including muscle loss.

Professor Raji, from the University School of Medicine in St. Louis, added: “While it is widely recognized that chronological aging leads to muscle mass decline and increased hidden abdominal fat, this research demonstrates that these health indicators are directly related to brain aging.”

“It indicates that the quantification of muscle and fat mass in the body serves as key indicators of brain health, as tracked with brain aging.”

The ongoing study involved 1,164 healthy men and women, with an average age of 55, using whole-body MRIs.

The research team integrated MRI imaging with T1-weighted sequences—an MRI technique that provides high-contrast images, allowing fat to appear bright while fluids appear dark.

Professor Raji mentioned that this approach yielded optimal imaging of muscle, fat, and brain tissue.

An artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm was employed to assess the quantities of muscle, visceral fat, and subcutaneous fat—fat located beneath the skin—for each participant, as well as their brain age.

Illustration of visceral fat around internal organs compared to subcutaneous fat.

The researchers discovered that a higher ratio of visceral fat to muscle was correlated with an increased brain age, while subcutaneous fat showed no significant association with brain age.

Professor Raji stated: “Participants with more muscle generally exhibited younger-looking brains, whereas those with a higher ratio of hidden abdominal fat relative to their muscle had older-looking brains.”

“The fat located just beneath the skin was not linked to brain aging.”

“In summary, greater muscle mass and a lower visceral fat to muscle ratio were associated with a younger brain.”

He characterized the goals of building muscle and reducing visceral fat as “actionable.”

Six Ways to Reduce Visceral Fat

Visceral fat lines the abdominal walls and encircles many of your internal organs.

Having some visceral fat is normal and healthy, as it cushions and protects your internal organs.

However, excessive visceral fat can be detrimental to health.

How can you eliminate visceral fat?
  1. Stay active: Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise daily, five days a week. Both cardio and strength training are beneficial, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can be particularly effective.
  2. Monitor your diet: Diets like the Mediterranean or DASH emphasize whole foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Your doctor can assist you in customizing a plan that fits your needs.
  3. Prioritize quality sleep: Poor sleep increases stress on the body, raising the likelihood of developing visceral fat and making it harder to lose.
  4. Manage stress: Chronic stress elevates cortisol levels, which can encourage fat storage around the abdomen.
  5. Limit alcohol consumption: Alcohol contributes "empty" calories and can strain your liver, diminishing its ability to process fat efficiently.
  6. Avoid sugary drinks: Eliminate sugary or fizzy drinks, even if they are zero-calorie, as sweet beverages can trigger insulin responses regardless of sugar content.

Read more on Alzheimer’s Society .

Dr. Raji emphasized that this research illustrates the close connection between body and brain health.

He remarked: “This research has confirmed widely accepted hypotheses regarding the relationship between body composition biomarkers and brain health, and it lays the groundwork for these biomarkers to be included in future trials of various metabolic interventions and treatments.”

He noted that while commonly prescribed glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) weight

Eze Chidiebere Paul

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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