Researchers at Arizona State University (ASU) and collaborating institutions have found that obesity in young adults is linked to early biological markers of brain inflammation, liver stress, and signs of neuronal injury. The study, published in the journal Aging and Disease, also identified low blood levels of choline—a nutrient essential for liver function and brain health—in these individuals.
Professor Ramon Velazquez, who led the research as part of the ASU-Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center, said: “This research adds to the growing evidence that choline is a valuable marker of metabolic and brain dysfunction — and reinforces the importance of sufficient daily intake, as it is essential for human health. Several new reports published this month further link reduced blood choline levels to behavioral changes, including anxiety and memory impairment, as well as broader metabolic dysfunction.”
The team included colleagues from ASU’s School of Life Sciences, Banner Sun Health Research Institute, and Mayo Clinic in Arizona. Their findings suggest that negative effects on brain health related to obesity may begin much earlier than previously thought.
The study examined 30 young adults—half with obesity and half with normal weight—all in their 20s or 30s. Blood samples were analyzed for markers such as inflammatory cytokines, insulin resistance indicators, liver enzymes, choline levels, and neurofilament light chain (NfL), a protein associated with neuronal damage. The researchers observed that participants with obesity had higher inflammation levels and lower circulating choline. Elevated NfL was also present in these individuals; this protein is increasingly recognized as an early indicator of neurodegeneration seen in conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
Wendy Winslow, first co-author of the study, noted: “Most people don’t realize they aren’t getting enough choline. Adding choline-rich foods to your routine can help reduce inflammation and support both your body and brain as you age.”
Women in the study exhibited lower choline levels than men—a significant finding given that cognitive aging and Alzheimer’s disease disproportionately affect women. National nutrition surveys indicate most Americans do not meet recommended choline intake guidelines.
Jessica Judd, co-author of the study, stated: “Our results suggest that, in young adults, good metabolic health and adequate choline contribute to neuronal health, laying the groundwork for healthy aging.”
Comparisons between younger participants with obesity and older adults diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease revealed similar patterns—lower choline paired with higher NfL—suggesting some biological pathways leading to neurodegeneration may be active decades before symptoms appear.
The researchers highlighted concerns about next-generation weight-loss drugs such as GLP-1 therapies. While effective at reducing body weight and improving metabolic function, these drugs may lead users to consume less food overall—including sources rich in essential nutrients like choline—raising questions about whether supplementation should be considered alongside such treatments.
Velazquez emphasized the need for further studies: future research will examine if combining GLP-1 therapies with adequate dietary choline can help maintain metabolic resilience.
Arizona State University has been recognized for its innovative work across disciplines; it was named number one in innovation by U.S. News & World Report for eight consecutive years according to https://news.asu.edu/20220911-university-news-asu-no-1-innovation-us-news-world-report-eighth-year?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=asu&utm_campaign=ASURankings&utm_term=USNWR.
The findings from this research add new insight into how early-life metabolic stress could influence long-term risk for cognitive decline.
