Individuals who are overweight may want to consider dropping a few pounds with the help of an alkaline diet – rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables – as a new study suggests that overweight middle-aged adults are at a greater risk for losing their cognitive function later in life.

According to findings published in The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological and Medical Sciences, not only are overweight people at a greater risk of loss of physical function, but cognitive function as well.

Although medical innovations have allowed individuals to live much longer despite their unhealthy lifestyles, scientists are now trying to determine what other health risks lie ahead for obese individuals as they progress in age.

“One of the unanticipated consequences of improved medical management of cardiovascular disease is that many obese individuals reach old age,” said Dr. Luigi Ferrucci. “We need a better understanding of the causes and consequences of obesity in older individuals – especially when obesity is associated with sarcopenia.”