High-fat, high-sugar diets badly impact cognitive function

A new study from the University of Sydney links high-fat, high-sugar (HFHS) diets to impaired brain function, particularly affecting spatial navigation skills. Published in the International Journal of Obesity, it is the first human study to examine how HFHS diets impact first-person navigation, a cognitive ability tied to hippocampal health. Researchers recruited 55 participants aged 18 to 38, who reported their intake of sugary and fatty foods and completed memory and BMI assessments. Participants then navigated a virtual maze to locate a treasure chest using surrounding landmarks. In a final memory test, those with lower HFHS consumption performed significantly better at recalling the treasure’s location. Even after adjusting for BMI and working memory, diet remained a strong predictor of performance. Encouragingly, researchers believe these cognitive effects are reversible with healthier eating. The study underscores the critical role of diet in maintaining hippocampal function and overall brain health.

26-04-2025