Belly And Brain

By Sanjay Gupta, M.D.

Because folks with Alzheimer's tend to waste away, obesity is not something we associate with the disease. But a new study shows that women who are overweight in their 70s have a significantly higher risk of developing the brain disorder by their late 80s--the first strong evidence to link the obesity epidemic to the growing incidence of Alzheimer's. It's also a good reason to stay trim. A 5-ft. 4in. woman who weighs 145 lbs. increases her Alzheimer's risk 36% with every 7 lbs. she gains. --By Sanjay Gupta, M.D.