Cognitive functions among obese and non-obese people
Keywords:
Obesity, Cognitive function, Executive function, Behavioral regulation, Metacognition, Obese AdultsAbstract
Background: Obesity is one of the leading global health concerns of 21st century. It is highly prevalent among all age groups including children, adolescents and adults. This dramatic increase of obesity across developed and developing countries is a result of changes in dietary habits, lesser physical activities, and enhanced sedentary lifestyles. It has been well-established that obesity not only impacts physical health but also influences brain structure and functions. Objectives: In view of the alarming need to gain insight on such existing cognitive disparities, the present aimed to assess cognitive functions among obese and non-obese adults. Methods: 300 participants (180 obese and 120 non-obese) age-ranging between 20 to 40 years were taken as samples for the present study. The participants were administered the BRIEF (Adult-A) in order to examine their cognitive (executive) functioning. Results: T-test analysis showed that significant differences exist between obese and non-obese adults on executive functioning including, behavioral regulation and metacognition. Conclusion: The study contributes to the understanding that how BMI or obesity impacts executive functioning of an individual. In addition, it throws light on the need to develop healthy eating habits and increase physical activity.
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