A Neuroscientist Reveals 3 Foods That Can ‘Cause Weight Gain And Hurt Your Brain’ Over 40: Wheat Bread, More
February 27, 2025 by Faith Geiger
Taking care of your health should always be a priority, but as we age, maintaining a healthy weight and supporting brain function become even more critical. While many factors play a role in wellbeing, our diet has an especially important impact on both our weight and our brain, influencing everything from metabolism to cognitive performance. There are tons of great, nutrient-rich foods to add to your plate for a healthier body, but certain foods, especially those high in processed carbohydrates, salt, and gluten, can contribute to weight gain and negatively affect brain health. Inflammation, blood sugar spikes, and the production of harmful compounds in the body can all increase your risk of cognitive decline and chronic conditions.
Dr. Robert Love, a neuroscientist, warns on TikTok that some of our favorite foods can lead to weight gain and damage the brain. According to him, potato chips, beer, and wheat bread can all promote belly fat, trigger inflammation, and increase harmful compounds like fructose and uric acid. Learn more about the risks of each below.
1. Potato Chips
We love a crunchy, salty snack, but unfortunately, according to Dr. Love, "There’s two things about potato chips that specifically cause weight gain. Number one is the carbs from the potatoes. Number two is that combined with salt." He explains that this combination increases the negative impact of fructose in the body, leading to belly fat accumulation. On top of this, he adds, "fructose in the brain can be very damaging." The high-carb, high-salt mix creates what he calls a "lethal combination." All in all, it's best to avoid potato chips if you’re looking to protect your waistline and cognitive function.
2. Beer
You may want to rethink that extra pint next time you're at the bar. Dr. Love describes beer as "a drink that drinks like a meal," emphasizing its impact on both weight and brain health. "Beer is bad for weight gain and the brain. Beer is made of wheat. Wheat contains gluten. Gluten can cause inflammation and brain fog in a number of people," he explains. He also points out that beer increases uric acid, which is linked to belly fat accumulation. "Why do we say beer belly? Where does that expression come from? It comes from people drinking beer and gaining weight in their belly." This type of fat, known as visceral fat, is the most dangerous because it surrounds vital organs and contributes to metabolic disease, he notes. Say it ain't so! There are plenty of other reasons to limit your alcohol intake, as well.
3. Wheat Bread
Wheat bread is often seen as a healthy alternative to white bread, but Dr. Love warns that this may not be the case. "Wheat bread has a lot of sugar, and you may not know this, but bread in particular has a lot of salt." He explains that, like potato chips, the high-carb and high-salt combination can increase fructose levels, leading to weight gain and potentially hurting your brain health, as well. Additionally, he notes that "wheat bread, similar to beer, is made of wheat, and wheat has gluten in it that can cause inflammation in the gut." Inflammation can have a direct impact on brain health, potentially increasing the risk of autoimmune disease and cognitive issues.
Ultimately, it's best to choose whole, unprocessed foods, and always check nutrition labels. Be mindful of the impact of refined carbs, salt, and gluten!