Archives: May 2026

Can Obesity Increase Your Risk of Dementia?

Obesity affects more than body weight. It influences blood vessels, inflammation, hormones, and other biological processes that help keep the brain healthy. Although dementia has many causes and no single risk factor determines who develops it, researchers suggest that a healthy weight and proper management of obesity-related conditions like hypertension support long-term cognitive health.

Dementia is one of the greatest health challenges associated with aging. Over 6 million people in the United States have dementia¹, and that number jumps to over 55 million worldwide.²  While there is currently no cure, prevention and reducing modifiable risk factors have become major research priorities.

Obesity is being looked at as one of those risk factors. Once viewed primarily as a condition of excess body weight, obesity is now recognized as a complex metabolic disease that affects multiple systems throughout the body.

Although a single determinant as to whether someone will develop dementia has not been established, maintaining a healthy weight and addressing obesity-related conditions such as high blood pressure may help support cognitive health as we age.

Obesity is a Real Health Concern

Obesity is more than carrying extra body fat. Adipose (fat) tissue produces hormones and signaling molecules that help regulate metabolism and other processes. When excess adipose tissue accumulates, these signaling systems can become disrupted.

Obesity is also associated with chronic low-grade inflammation. In addition to hormones, excess adipose tissue releases inflammatory signaling molecules, and over time, a chronic inflammatory state can contribute to a vicious cycle of metabolic dysfunction and place additional strain on blood vessels throughout the body. The effects are widespread, from the heart and joints to the brain itself.

Why the Brain Is Vulnerable

Dementia describes a group of conditions that cause a progressive decline in cognitive abilities, with the most common types being Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and mixed dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is associated with changes in the brain involving the buildup of abnormal proteins and the gradual loss of brain tissue. Vascular dementia develops when conditions affecting the blood vessels reduce blood flow to the brain, limiting the oxygen and nutrients needed for healthy brain cells. Some people experience characteristics of both Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, which is known as mixed dementia.

Researchers are increasingly asking not only whether obesity is associated with dementia, but how it contributes.

The brain depends on a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients delivered through healthy blood vessels. Obesity contributes to vascular dysfunction and chronic inflammation, so it’s reasonable to suggest that those same changes would affect brain health. Disruption to communication between nerve cells due to cardiovascular dysfunction and inflammation can reduce the brain’s resilience to age-related damage. Using a research method designed to help identify causal relationships, researchers found that higher body mass index (BMI) was a causal risk factor for vascular-related dementia, with high blood pressure appearing to explain part of this increased risk.³

Dementia-related changes develop gradually and can begin years before noticeable symptoms appear. In fact, other research has found that obesity during midlife is associated with about a 30% higher risk of developing dementia later in life.⁴ In addition to the cardiovascular issues that tend to coincide with excess weight, type 2 diabetes, reduced physical activity, and depression are also part of the obesity picture and can influence dementia risk. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is one example of an early stage where changes in memory or thinking occur before dementia develops. Because brain changes accumulate over time, researchers continue to focus on prevention and early intervention rather than waiting until significant cognitive decline occurs.

Turn Knowledge Into Action

Obesity does not determine whether someone will develop dementia – but improving metabolic health does support overall well-being and long-term cognitive functioning. What we do know is that maintaining a healthy weight, controlling blood pressure, staying physically active, eating healthy foods, and managing obesity-related conditions are modifiable factors that can be addressed with the right support.

For individuals with severe obesity, bariatric surgery is an effective option when lifestyle changes and other weight loss approaches have not resulted in lasting weight reduction. Bariatric surgery is known to improve obesity-related conditions such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and other aspects of metabolic health that researchers are studying for their potential connection to cognitive function.

At SAMPA, we believe informed patients make empowered decisions. If you’ve struggled with obesity, our team can help you understand your options, evaluate your individual health profile, and develop a treatment plan focused on your long-term health goals.

References:

1. CDC. (2024, August 17). About Dementia. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/alzheimers-dementia/about/index.html.
2. World Health Organization. (2026, July 3). Dementia. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia.
3. Endocrine Society. (2026, January 22). People with obesity may have a higher risk of dementia. Endocrine Society. https://www.endocrine.org/news-and-advocacy/news-room/2026/people-with-obesity-may-have-a-higher-risk-of-dementia.
4. Alzheimer’s Society. (2026). Obesity and dementia risk. Alzheimer’s Society. https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/managing-the-risk-of-dementia/reduce-your-risk-of-dementia/obesity.

Does Healthy (or Unhealthy) Gut Flora Impact Weight Loss?

Trillions of microorganisms live in the digestive tract, and they do more than help process food. As one piece of the weight loss puzzle, research shows they may also support overall metabolic function.

What if weight loss wasn’t just about calories… but about the trillions of tiny organisms living inside your gut?

Deep in your digestive tract exists a bustling ecosystem called the gut microbiome – a community of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes that are constantly communicating with your body. One of the most fascinating discoveries in nutrition science is that the microbiome influences how your body handles food, stores fat, regulates hunger, and even responds to stress.

Researchers are studying the gut microbiome to better understand its effects on metabolism and weight regulation. Obesity is a complex condition influenced by many factors, including genetics, diet, physical activity, environment, and individual metabolism, and new information about “gut bugs” is emerging that may help explain why two people can follow similar weight loss protocols and experience different outcomes.

What Is the Gut Microbiome?

The gut microbiome is not an isolated system working on its own – it’s connected to many processes throughout the body through a constant exchange of signals.

Operating as a dynamic ecosystem, the gut microbiome is composed of trillions of microorganisms that inhabit the human digestive tract, primarily the large intestine. Far from being passive inhabitants, they exist in a complex relationship with the human body.

One of the primary functions of the gut microbiome is helping the body process components of food that are hard to break down, particularly dietary fiber. Fermentation takes place in the intestines between fiber and the gut microbes (hence the benefit of ingesting fermented foods), and when that happens, they produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These compounds provide energy for intestinal cells, protect the integrity of the gut barrier, and possess anti-inflammatory properties.

The microbiome is also a partner in immune function. By continuously interacting with immune cells, gut microbes help train and regulate the immune system, promoting appropriate responses to threats while maintaining tolerance to harmless substances. A balanced microbial community can help prevent the overgrowth of potentially harmful organisms by competing for nutrients and attachment sites within the intestinal environment.

Through the gut-brain axis, a network of communication involving the nervous system, immune system, and microbial metabolites, gut microbes also affect brain function, stress responses, and emotional well-being.

Diet, medications, stress, and lifestyle can reshape the microbial community, and the relationship between the body and its gut microbes is constantly changing. A balanced microbiome with a diverse community of microorganisms is generally associated with healthier metabolic function. When that balance is disrupted (dysbiosis), changes in inflammation, intestinal health, and metabolism may occur, making it more challenging to maintain a healthy weight.

How Gut Bacteria Influence Weight

The relationship between the gut microbiome and weight is complex and still being studied. Gut bacteria alone do not determine whether someone gains or loses weight, but they are one piece of a much larger picture that includes genetics, diet, physical activity, hormones, metabolism, medications, and many other individual factors.

Research has found differences in the composition of gut bacteria between individuals with obesity and those with healthier weight patterns, including differences in microbial diversity and the types of bacteria that are more abundant. Changes in the microbiome affect how the body processes and extracts energy from food, and lower microbial diversity has been linked with metabolic concerns.¹ That is tied to involvement in pathways for glucose processing, fat storage, and the production of compounds that communicate with organs throughout the body. For example, misfiring signals can affect how the liver processes nutrients and how fat cells store energy.²

Chronic inflammation also tends to accompany obesity, and the immune system stays mildly activated all of the time. The addition of an unhealthy digestive environment adds to a state of inflammation. Because gut microbes help protect the integrity of the intestinal lining, a less diverse microbiome can weaken the lining, allowing bacterial byproducts that are normally contained within the gut to pass into the bloodstream. The immune system responds by releasing inflammatory chemical messengers. Ongoing low-grade inflammation can impair insulin sensitivity, blood sugar regulation, and other metabolic processes, contributing to weight gain.²¯³

Our gut bugs also talk to the hormones associated with appetite, digestion, and blood sugar regulation, including natural GLP-1 and peptide YY. It’s part of the gut-brain axis. When we eat, signals are sent back and forth about what happens next. Food is broken down, and the resulting compounds influence intestinal cells, which then release hormones that communicate with the brain and other organs. That’s how we know we’ve had enough to eat and how the body regulates blood sugar and other metabolic processes. The gut microbiome is essentially part of a hub that coordinates the body’s response to food.

So, the relationship between obesity and the gut flora is bidirectional. That means one influences the other, and vice versa. Excess weight and the cascade of negative health consequences that accompany it can alter the composition and function of the gut microbiome. At the same time, changes in the abundance and composition of intestinal flora influence weight regulation. It isn’t fair to see the microbiome as a cause of weight gain so much as a complex system that responds to and interacts with the rest of the body.

Promoting a Healthy Microbiome

The microbiome is constantly in flux and affected by all sorts of changing factors throughout life. There really isn’t a “perfect” gut microbiome, but good lifestyle habits support a more diverse, and therefore resilient, microbial community.

Losing weight, by itself, is associated with increases in microbial diversity and improvements in intestinal barrier function, and appears to move the microbiome toward patterns more commonly observed in individuals with healthier weight.³ Next to that, diet is one of the strongest influences on the gut microbiome. It makes sense because the foods we eat provide the fuel that microbes use to survive and function. Foods that fuel a healthy gut environment include:

• Fruits and vegetables (the low-sugar variety)
• Beans and legumes
• Whole grains
• Nuts and seeds
• Fermented products

Dietary patterns that are consistently high in ultra-processed foods, added sugars, and unhealthy fats and low in fiber negatively affect microbial diversity and function. Gut microbes respond to the foods they receive; lifetime eating patterns are the environmental scaffolding in which they live.⁴ (Remember the saying, “You are what you eat?”)

Exercise, sleep, and medication use are also part of the gut microbe conversation. Exercise helps because it can have a positive effect on insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation throughout the body, and help with hormone regulation.

Circadian rhythm is an especially interesting aspect – your digestive tract reacts to tactile stimuli (food) as well as subtle ones (sleep). Gut bacteria are sensitive to eating patterns, sleep, and light exposure, and will respond accordingly to irregular sleep schedules, frequent nighttime eating, or chronic sleep deprivation with increased inflammation signaling and appetite dysregulation.

Medications may or may not seem obvious in their impact on the digestive tract. Antibiotics are the most talked about because they wipe out the “good” bacteria in the intestines along with the “bad” bacteria that are causing the illness. A digestive tract that is populated with a healthy array of beneficial bacteria is a protected digestive tract. Without diversity and with a reduced “good” bacterial count, the gut ecosystem is less able to prevent the overgrowth of unwanted organisms. You shouldn’t avoid taking necessary medications, but when you are taking them, be mindful of what else can harm your precious gut bugs, and try to mitigate further damage.

Lifestyle is a big part of maintaining a healthy digestive tract. But we all know by now that obesity is a complex chronic disease, and for some individuals, lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough to affect significant or lasting changes. Weight loss medications like GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) or bariatric surgery are viable options in these situations. Bariatric surgery, especially, creates long-lasting changes that recalibrate nutrient and hormone signaling, metabolism, inflammatory pathways, and, of course, the gut microbiome.

The gut microbiome is one factor that influences metabolism, appetite, inflammation, and weight regulation – but it is not the sole reason someone gains or loses weight. Supporting gut health is one part of a larger approach to metabolic health. At SAMPA, we want people to feel in control of their weight and future health. In addition to bariatric surgery, we also perform general surgeries, from acid reflux and GERD to gallbladder and colorectal surgery, in order for people to achieve their full picture of health.

References:

1. Georgiou, K., Belev, N. A., Koutouratsas, T., Katifelis, H., & Gazouli, M. (2022). Gut microbiome: Linking together obesity, bariatric surgery and associated clinical outcomes under a single focus. World journal of gastrointestinal pathophysiology, 13(3), 59–72. https://doi.org/10.4291/wjgp.v13.i3.59.
2. Noor, J., Chaudhry, A., Batool, S., Noor, R., & Fatima, G. (2023). Exploring the Impact of the Gut Microbiome on Obesity and Weight Loss: A Review Article. Cureus, 15(6), e40948. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.40948.
3. Koutoukidis, D. A., Jebb, S. A., Zimmerman, M., Otunla, A., Henry, J. A., Ferrey, A., Schofield, E., Kinton, J., Aveyard, P., & Marchesi, J. R. (2022). The association of weight loss with changes in the gut microbiota diversity, composition, and intestinal permeability: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Gut microbes, 14(1), 2020068. https://doi.org/10.1080/19490976.2021.2020068.
4. Noor, J., Chaudhry, A., Batool, S., Noor, R., & Fatima, G. (2023). Exploring the Impact of the Gut Microbiome on Obesity and Weight Loss: A Review Article. Cureus, 15(6), e40948. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.40948.

Solving Stress With Today’s Lifestyle

It often happens gradually, but stressors that are constant or last for long periods of time can cause weight gain through a cascade of hormonal processes. Thankfully, modest lifestyle changes can help combat stress and an increase in body mass.

Updated for 2026

Stress can contribute to weight gain in many ways. But how do we break the cycle and stop packing on pounds?

For some, it is possible to combat the stressor itself. Maybe there is a relationship that can be improved. It might even be unrealistic expectations you have for yourself that you can address on your own or through therapy. Evaluating the cause of your stress and working to decrease your reaction to the stressor, when it arises, can make a huge difference, but this can sometimes be difficult from the inside. Accepting help from a trusted friend or even a healthcare professional could be the ticket to a more peaceful daily life – and a smaller waistline.

Stress is a fact of life, and sometimes, it cannot be as easily avoided or eliminated. This is where it is important to learn how to manage your stress through lifestyle modifications as well as behavioral health therapy.

Exercise has great benefits, both in stress release and weight loss. Studies have shown even short periods of exercise can help clear your mind1 and stabilize your blood sugar. Whether walking, boxing, or swimming, exercise of all kinds is advantageous. Incorporating exercises like yoga can also provide opportunities to practice meditation and mindfulness, two techniques used in cognitive behavioral therapy to help individuals manage anxiety.

Breathing exercises can also help slow down your mind and reset, both proactively as a habit and reactively when stress arises. With breathing being an autonomous activity, meaning the body doesn’t need to actively think about it, we often find ourselves breathing in a short, shallow manner. Focusing on your breathing, even briefly, can help you to release both mental and physical tension all over the body.

Breathing deeply for a few minutes prior to a task can help you to relax and shift your focus. Practicing this before a meal is a great way to eat more mindfully – you might be less likely to overeat or eat too quickly before your body can recognize cues of fullness.

Breathing intentionally can also help you to recognize poor posture. Posture has been shown to impact confidence, and studies show both physical and mental benefits to “powerful” postures.2

No matter what the cause of the stress, a cheetah chasing you or a deadline approaching, it is likely your body will try to trick you into preparing for it to happen again. The unfortunate thing is that our bodies will stock up on calories for future use, whether we need them or not. Learning how to combat stress before it comes your way and avoiding the pitfalls it creates can help you avoid excess weight gain.

If you feel your weight is out of control, we invite you to learn more about the weight loss solutions at SAMPA, including weight loss surgery. While bariatric surgery does not eliminate your stress, it can help you reset your lifestyle and is an excellent tool for losing weight and keeping it off long-term.

Feel free to watch our seminar online!

References:

1. Mahindru, A., Patil, P., & Agrawal, V. (2023). Role of Physical Activity on Mental Health and Well-Being: A Review. Cureus, 15(1), e33475. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.33475.
2. Nair, S., Sagar, M., Sollers, J., 3rd, Consedine, N., & Broadbent, E. (2015). Do slumped and upright postures affect stress responses? A randomized trial. Health psychology : official journal of the Division of Health Psychology, American Psychological Association, 34(6), 632–641. https://doi.org/10.1037/hea0000146.

Diet Soda Dilemma: Is It Really a Healthier Choice?

If you switch from regular soda to diet soda, are you actually making a healthy decision? People believe they’re making a healthier choice by eliminating sugar and calories. But newer research has raised questions about whether artificially sweetened beverages provide the health benefits many people expect.

Weight gain, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic concerns. Gut microbiome dysfunction, and even increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Did you think we were talking about environmental pollutants or drug side effects?

We’re actually talking about the maladies sodas are associated with, in particular the sweeteners, preservatives, and other artificial ingredients.

Diet sodas were developed as an alternative by replacing sugar with artificial or non-sugar sweeteners for the sweet taste without the calories. That made them seem healthier. But nutrition and health outcomes are more complex than calorie intake alone.

Emerging research and recent news stories have raised questions about diet soda and what they actually do to our health. These considerations are especially important for bariatric patients trying to establish long-term habits that support weight management and healthier habits.

Regular Soda vs. Diet Soda: What’s the Difference?

Most people would agree that regular soda is not an ideal everyday beverage. Traditional sodas typically contain large amounts of added sugars, such as sucrose, glucose, or fructose, with little to no nutritional value. Consuming a high level of sugar-sweetened beverages on a regular basis not only wrecks weight loss progress but also is increasingly associated with serious metabolic diseases.

Diet sodas use sugar alternatives like aspartame, sucralose, and acesulfame potassium, and because they’re much sweeter than sugar, only small amounts are needed. That’s the plus side. Diet soda may be a better choice than regular soda from a sugar and calorie perspective, but it is not the same as choosing a beverage that actively supports your health goals. Reducing sugar and calories doesn’t automatically make a beverage beneficial for health.

For patients who have undergone gastric bypass surgery, consuming high-sugar foods or beverages can trigger dumping syndrome, which may cause symptoms such as nausea, cramping, sweating, dizziness, or diarrhea. While diet soda does not contain sugar or trigger dumping syndrome in the same way, continuing to rely heavily on sweet-tasting beverages may make it harder to establish healthier long-term habits.

Diet Soda Debates in the Laboratory

As mentioned before, the conversation around artificial sweeteners is complicated because the research is still evolving. Not every study reaches the same conclusion, and scientists continue to study how these ingredients may affect the body over time.

More recently, an article was released by the Wall Street Journal regarding the U.S. Government’s take on artificial sweeteners – and it wasn’t all that good.¹

Artificial sweeteners are not inherently dangerous in moderation, and they have undergone government safety evaluations that allow their use in food and beverages within established guidelines. However, they are not entirely harmless. Federal health officials are taking a closer look at the sweeteners in many “sugar-free” favorites, and new dietary recommendations urge Americans to cut back. The reasoning comes from multiple research studies that have found varying impacts on gastrointestinal, neurologic, and cardiovascular systems.²  Here’s the caveat: even though researchers have found associations between higher consumption of non-sugar sweeteners and health issues, these studies cannot prove that artificial sweeteners directly cause specific health conditions.

The debate is far from settled. Scientists are divided, and beverage companies argue that sugar substitutes are safe ingredients. Adding to the complexity, individual variables like overall diet quality, activity level, and existing health conditions also influence research results. There are many variables to suss through in these studies, but the common thread is to tread lightly when consuming artificial sweeteners. Sweeteners, both artificial and natural, should be used in moderation anyway.

The best thing you can do is be aware of what you put in your body, how it makes you feel, and what it does for your overall health and wellbeing.

Diet Soda in Real Life

Some people have been able to reduce calorie intake and support weight management with diet sodas as a treat, but individual responses, behavioral as well as physiological, to consumable products vary from person to person. A beverage that works well for one person may not be the best choice for another. Those preparing for or recovering from bariatric surgery are well advised to reduce dependence on sweetened beverages altogether for the healthiest long-term approach.

Most, if not all, bariatric programs recommend avoiding or limiting carbonated beverages in general because the fizz can contribute to gas, bloating, and abdominal discomfort. Some patients also find that carbonated drinks make it more difficult to meet hydration goals because they become uncomfortably full.

If you’re used to drinking soda, quitting cold turkey might seem unrealistic. To keep stress and feelings of being overly restricted to a minimum, gradually reduce how much you consume throughout the day. Water is a mainstay for hydration, but if you need some flavor to curb soda cravings, you can try:

• Water infused with fruit, herbs, or citrus
• Unsweetened tea and herbal teas
• Flavored waters without added sweeteners
• Noncarbonated low-calorie beverages, like fresh-squeezed juice

There is no single food or drink that determines success, but there are some out there that can ruin it; just be aware of what they are and indulge in moderation! The point is to create lasting, healthful habits.

At SAMPA, we know that sustainable weight loss comes from making consistent choices based on individual needs. Our team works with patients to develop weight-management strategies, including nutrition counseling, medical weight loss options, and bariatric surgery evaluation for appropriate candidates. Contact us to learn more about your options and take the next step toward improved health.

References:

1. Cooper, L., & Petersen, A. (2026, January 23). The Government Wants You to Kick Your Diet Soda Habit. Wall Street Journal. https://www.wsj.com/health/new-dietary-guidelines-sugar-sweeteners-8ac1fe49.
2. Ghusn, W., Naik, R., & Yibirin, M. (2023). The Impact of Artificial Sweeteners on Human Health and Cancer Association: A Comprehensive Clinical Review. Cureus, 15(12), e51299. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.51299.