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. 2017:2017:5923862.
doi: 10.1155/2017/5923862. Epub 2017 Oct 8.

Relationship between Obesity and Cognitive Function in Young Women: The Food, Mood and Mind Study

Rebecca L Cook  1 , Nicholas J O'Dwyer  1   2 , Cheyne E Donges  2 , Helen M Parker  1   3 , Hoi Lun Cheng  3   4 , Katharine S Steinbeck  4 , Eka P Cox  1 , Janet L Franklin  5 , Manohar L Garg  6 , Kieron B Rooney  1   3 , Helen T O'Connor  1   3
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Relationship between Obesity and Cognitive Function in Young Women: The Food, Mood and Mind Study

Rebecca L Cook et al. J Obes. 2017.

Abstract

Limited research addresses links between obesity and cognitive function in young adults. Objective. To investigate the relationship between obesity and cognitive function in young women. Methods. This cross-sectional study recruited healthy, young (18-35 y) women of normal (NW: BMI = 18.5-24.9 kg·m-2) or obese (OB: BMI ≥ 30.0 kg·m-2) weight. Participants completed a validated, computer-based cognitive testing battery evaluating impulsivity, attention, information processing, memory, and executive function. Questionnaires on depression and physical activity and a fasting blood sample for C-reactive protein and the Omega-3 Index were also collected. Cognition data are presented as z-scores (mean ± SD), and group comparisons were assessed via ANOVA. Potential confounding from questionnaire and blood variables were evaluated using ANCOVA. Results. 299 women (NW: n = 157; OB: n = 142) aged 25.8 ± 5.1 y were enrolled. Cognition scores were within normal range (±1 z-score), but OB had lower attention (NW: 0.31 ± 1.38; OB: -0.25 ± 1.39; ES: 0.41, CI: 0.17-0.64; p < 0.001) and higher impulsivity (NW: 0.36 ± 1.14; OB: -0.07 ± 1.07; ES: 0.39, CI: 0.15-0.62; p=0.033). Confounder adjustment had minimal impact on results. Conclusion. The OB group had normal but significantly lower performance on attention and were more impulsive compared to NW participants. This may indicate early cognitive decline, but longitudinal research confirming these findings is warranted.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flow diagram for recruitment, eligibility screening, and participation in the Food, Mood and Mind study.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Comparison of cognition z-scores assessed across five domains between young women categorized into NW and OB groups. Domain scores adjusted for age and education, with data presented as mean ± standard error. Normal range is between ±1. ∗p < 0.05 between NW and OB in post hoc analyses; #p < 0.05 between NW and OB in univariate analysis. Lower scores on the impulsivity domain indicate increased impulsive responses. BMI, body mass index; NW, normal weight (BMI = 18.5–24.9 kg/m2); OB, obese weight (BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2).
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