Weight Gain and the Brain

Obesity is a growing public health problem in the United States. The latest statistics show that 72% of Americans are overweight, of whom 41.9% are obese.

According to a 2021 guideline from the American Stroke Association, a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher—which is an indicator of obesity—increases the risk for ischemic strokes by 50 to 100 percent.

Another study published in the journal Neurology for a clinical trial with 500,000 individuals found that increased body mass index (BMI) and increased waist to hips ratio leads to decreased grey matter in your brain and decreased brain volume. This decrease may lead to an increased chance of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Another study by Daniel Amen at the Amen Clinic, found patterns of progressively reduced blood flow were found in virtually all regions of the brain across categories of underweight, normal weight, overweight, obesity, and morbid obesity. Considering decreased cerebral blood flow is the number 1 brain imaging predictor that a person will develop Alzheimer's disease and is also associated with depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, traumatic brain injury, addiction, suicide, and other conditions, we should be very concerned about the extra weight we might on put on for whatever reason.

Many people associate increased weight with laziness and a poor diet, but many times weight gain is related to something else, such as an illness which is preventing an individual from being able to exercise, from weight gained during pregnancy, or from a busy lifestyle which makes it hard to get exercise in. Sometimes we hear people who eat well and exercise and still can’t get the weight off.

We're all certainly now familiar with the growing amount of non-essential ingredients and the dangers of processed foods on the everyday health of Americans. With North Western University reporting that Ultra-processed foods make up 70-73% of the average grocery store supply, and organic or non-processed foods often priced at a rate of 2x more expensive, it's easy to notice how today's modern food environment doesn't provide the clearest incentive for proper nutrition and healthy eating at an affordable price that supports longevity and overall health.

At Better Brain & Body, we utilize a natural nutrition weight loss program that emphasizes healthy ingredients and easy-to-make meals. This 6-week program averages at 15-25 pounds in 6-weeks achieved alongside consistent adherence. This program offers supplementation that curb appetite and support metabolism. We also offer a vibration plate and sauna that may aid in detox and positive body composition changes.

Many have been wondering about Better Brain & Body's official take on semaglutide-based weight loss injections. For individuals experiencing extreme or life-altering obesity, these medications may provide an initial kickstart to their progress which can aid an individual's weight loss journey. However, in individuals who may be overweight but not suffering from extreme obesity, we recommend natural weight loss approaches that involve a comprehensive approach including exercise, nutrition, and other approaches that compliment a life of long-term health and side-benefits such as weight loss.

We understand that some individuals may be concerned with preserving muscle mass over the course of their treatment. Others may wish to change their long-term habits. Some are already using semaglutide and are interested in getting off their medications safely. And lastly, many are interested in preventing the weight gain "rebound" effect often associated with medication stoppage. For all of these questions, we suggest working with or consulting with the knowledgeable team at Simone Medical, in the Matthews-Charlotte area.

For targeted weight loss, our nutrition-based weight loss program mentioned above is a great place to start. While primarily integrated into our physical rehabilitation protocols for functional neurology patients, Emsculpt Neo can be a powerful tool for muscle strengthening and muscle mass increases, alongside functional rehabilitation benefits such as increased core strength, potential lower back pain relief, improved range of motion and much more.

If you're seeking natural weight loss and holistic body composition care at Better Brain & Body, you can schedule an in-person or phone consultation to learn more.

Updated and edited 8/17/26