Waist fat increases the risk of memory decline after menopause.
Scientists from the North American Menopause Society have found that excess fat in the waist area may increase the risk of memory and concentration decline in postmenopausal women. The study, published in the journal Menopause, showed that participants with a high waist-to-hip ratio performed worse on cognitive tests—even with normal weight and hormone therapy.
As the authors note, visceral fat, which accumulates around internal organs, triggers chronic inflammation and reduces insulin sensitivity, while the drop in estrogen levels after menopause exacerbates the negative effects on the brain. These processes affect areas responsible for attention and memory, accelerating age-related cognitive decline.
Researchers believe that measuring waist circumference could be a simple and accessible way to identify the risk of dementia early. Dr. Monica Christmas, a co-author of the study, emphasized that preventing metabolic changes before menopause is key to maintaining not only the physical but also the mental health of women.
