From the Journals

Body Fat Distribution and Brain Health

A UK Biobank analysis links MRI-derived fat distribution patterns to differences in brain structure and neurologic outcomes.

Share

Analysis of nearly 26,000 patients in the UK Biobank indicates that distinct MRI-derived body fat distribution patterns, particularly pancreatic-predominant and skinny-fat profiles, are linked to gray matter atrophy and cognitive decline, highlighting elevated neurologic disease risks. Research revealed six fat profiles associated with varying cognitive scores and brain structures, with the pancreatic-predominant profile showing significant atrophy and cognitive impairments in both sexes, while the skinny-fat profile indicated increased risk for neurologic disorders.

Original Source(s)

Body Fat Distribution and Brain Health

A UK Biobank analysis links MRI-derived fat distribution patterns to differences in brain structure and neurologic outcomes.

  • by Julie Greenbaum

  • February 2, 2026

  • 3 min

Related Content

Can MRI Predict Perforator Stroke Progression?

Investigators evaluate multisequence imaging for its ability to identify patients at risk for neurologic progression.

Radiology AI in Routine Practice

Real-world deployment reveals adoption gaps and varying engagement with regulator-approved artificial intelligence decision support tools

How Safe Are FDA-Cleared AI Tools?

“These findings indicate that standardized efficacy, safety, and risk assessment reporting remains inadequate for FDA-cleared AI/ML devices, underscoring the need for dedicated regulatory pathways and robust postmarket surveillance to ensure patient safety."