Obesity is well-known to cause physical health issues, but can it also be detrimental to your mind? A study published in the journal Cerebral Cortex shows that childhood obesity is related to a decrease in gray matter in the brain. Childhood obesity can be a risk factor for many problems such as respiratory and digestive problems, depression, low self-esteem, social isolation, difficulties in executive functioning, and more. Brain scans of people who are obese have revealed structural differences, such as lower cortical thickness and volume. In previous research, BMI has been associated with l…