Dutch researchers have found that bariatric surgery is not only beneficial for weight loss but also for enhancing our cognitive brain activity. According to the study presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Dublin, patients who underwent gastric shortening surgery and lost weight performed better on cognitive tests after surgery than before.
The researchers from Radbaut Nijmegen University Medical Center noted that they believe the reason for the increase in brain abilities is related to the fact that weight loss also affects blood pressure, which is more easily pumped to the brain after weight loss. In addition, it is possible that after surgery, the brain becomes free to engage in things other than food, and therefore there is an increase in cognitive function.
The study examined how bariatric surgery affected the mental performance of the subjects and was done on 129 people. The subjects underwent tests of memory, speech and attention and concentration before and after surgery. 40 subjects also underwent MRI scans before and after surgery to see how brain structure was affected by weight loss.
Weight loss affects the brain, Photo: GettyImages
Presenting the study's findings was Dr. Amanda Killian, who noted that the subjects' memory and concentration abilities "continue to improve even two years after surgery."
"Many studies have taught us that vascular problems that exist in cases of obesity are a risk factor for developing neurodegeneration, cognitive decline and dementia. On the other hand, after surgery, people feel better, exercise and play more sports. Studies prior to the latest study have also shown an effect of weight loss on other brain activities such as better prioritization of tasks, filtering out distractions, and controlling impulses."
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