Obesity is a modern-day epidemic. In the United States in 2018, approximately 42.4% of adults were obese (a body mass index – BMI – over 30), according to the CDC National Center for Health Statistics. Even more alarming is the increasing prevalence in youth — 15.3% of 10- to 17-year-old youths were obese in 2019.
Obesity negatively impacts the peripheral nervous system, which can result in nerve damage in the arms and legs or peripheral neuropathy. It can also injure the network of nerves that regulate heart function.
Obesity damages both brain structure and function, promoting problems with cognition and thinking.
Eva Feldman, MD, PhD
James W. Albers Distinguished University Professor of Neurology
Russell N. DeJong Professor of Neurology
Director, NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies
Director, ALS Center of Excellence