Not only can fatty foods increase your waistline, but they also damage your brain. A study by Australian and Chinese researchers led by two University of South Australia (UniSA) neuroscientists, Professor Shen Fu Zhou and Associate Professor Larisa Bobrovskaya, has found a clear link between mice fed a high-fat diet for 30 weeks, which led to diabetes. and subsequent deterioration in their cognitive abilities, including the development of anxiety, depression, and worsening of Alzheimer’s disease.
“Individuals who are obese have a 55 percent increased risk of depression, and diabetes will double that risk,” said Bobrovskaya.
“Our findings confirm the importance of addressing the global obesity epidemic,” she noted. “It is very likely that a combination of obesity, age, and diabetes will lead to deterioration in cognitive abilities, Alzheimer’s disease and other mental health disorders.”
Emily Brontë is a journalist and feature writer specialising in culture, entertainment, literature, and current affairs. She is dedicated to producing clear, accurate reporting that helps readers stay informed about developments in the UK and around the world.
