Hidden Fat Distribution Patterns Linked to Accelerated Brain Aging

Scientists have found that brain health may be influenced not only by body weight but also by where fat is stored in the body. A study published on January 27 in Radiology reports that certain hidden fat distribution patterns are strongly associated with brain shrinkage, cognitive decline, and increased neurological risk.

Led by researchers at The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University in China, the study analyzed MRI data from 25,997 participants in the UK Biobank. Using advanced imaging techniques, the team identified two high-risk fat patterns. One, termed pancreatic-predominant fat, involves excessive fat accumulation in the pancreas and was linked to faster brain aging and loss of gray matter. The second pattern, known as “skinny fat,” describes individuals with relatively normal body weight but high body fat and low muscle mass, particularly around the abdomen.

The findings suggest that assessing fat location, rather than relying solely on BMI, may improve early identification of brain health risks.

28-01-2026