In Context: 5 Web Perspectives On A Story In The News

Obesity linked to severe concussion problems in former NFL players

(Toronto Star) According to a recent study involving 115 former NFLers, retired players who are obese experience more severe cognitive destruction than those who are not overweight. The study was published by the journal of Translational Psychiatry. When an individual sustains a concussion, they are advised to refrain from exercise until their brain heals. Also, concussions can severely impact the front area of the brain, which can cause cognitive impairments that make it difficult for people to make informed decisions about their health. Concussions aside, obesity can lead to dementia on its own. It is important for professional sport leagues to educate their athletes about the importance of living a healthy lifestyle during their careers as well as once they are retired.

1.

Study: Overweight ex-football players put brain at risk

Web MD
Jennifer Warner of WebMD Health News discusses the study in terms of the health risks associated with concussions and obesity. The article says that the researchers compared the blood flow to the brain of 38 healthy-weight former NFLers and 38 overweight former NFLers. While the results still need to be confirmed by more studies, weight education and management could be an essential part of the future health of athletes who have sustained a serious brain injury.

2.

Heavier ex-NFL players may be prone to brain decline

Doctors Lounge
Was the weight gain caused by increased cognitive decline? Or did the head injuries caused during a player's career lead to misinformed decisions about diet, which in turn caused weight gain? According to this article, the study released by Translational Psychiatry does not necessarily take in all contributing factors. The article states that the former NFLers who participated in the study were between the ages of 25 and 82 and had played in the NFL for a minimum of three years. It provides a great deal of context as to how the study was conducted and what procedures the participants had to follow. Because of the fact that it is a medical website, the article goes into detail about the science behind the study.

3.

Study is first to link elevated body mass among players with cognitive impairment

SF Gate
This press release incorporates several quotes from the creator of the study, Dr. Daniel G. Amen. He says that this is the 12^th scientific study that shows the connection between being overweight and decreased cognitive function but the first to examine football players. "I affectionately call this "The Dinosaur Syndrome," said Dr. Amen. "Big body. Little brain. Become extinct." Background information about Dr. Amen and his clinics (Amen Clinics, Inc.) can be seen at the end of the press release. This is useful information for those who are looking for more information about brain injuries.

4.

Retired overweight NFL players might have more cognitive problems

LA Times
Not only are former NFL players who have suffered a brain injury at risk of becoming obese, they may also develop chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). CTE is similar to Alzheimer's disease in that it causes the brain to degenerate. With a variety of related links, this article allows readers to gain more knowledge about brain injuries and sport. The author mentions that athletes may benefit through education about weight management briefly but does not go into detail as to how they can do this.

5.

Head injuries and excess weight a hazardous combo for NFL players

Huffington Post
The Huffington Post refers to the study conducted by Dr. Amen and relates the issue of obesity and brain injuries to a wider audience. Dr. Amen says that "...excess weight may even increase the risk of cognitive problems in people who have suffered one-off head injuries in car accidents or other non-athletic situations." This is an important piece of information because people need to realize that it's not just athletes who are susceptible to concussions. It would be interesting to conduct a study outside of the sport world that includes women and children because childhood obesity is so prominent. Another beneficial part to this story is that the author includes Dr. Amen's tips on how to avoid obesity.