Belly Fat and Alzheimers

As if you didn’t have enough reasons to lose weight, here comes a frightening one: according to a new study, people with big midsections in middle age are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia later in life. Kind of makes you want to run to the gym, doesn’t it?
 
The study in the journal Neurology follows additional research that this abdominal fat, thought to be the most dangerous, is also responsible for a host of other health ailments, such as heart disease, diabetes and stroke. Researchers don’t know why this happens, but some speculate that the midsection fat releases harmful substances in the body or that heart disease and dementia are somehow linked.
 
Either way, it is in your best interest to continue the battle with your bulge. If you’re looking for a boost or more information on losing weight, check out our interview with Arthur Agatston, M.D., the cardiologist who created The South Beach Diet plan. [Associated Press]