The Association Between Obesity and Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study in South India
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2024-12
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
?Eldaghayes Publisher
Abstract
Background: Obesity has emerged as a critical public health issue in India, with a notable rise in prevalence, particu- larly among women. The relationship between obesity and cognitive function remains underexplored, especially in non-Western populations. Aim: This study aims to investigate the association between obesity and cognitive function in middle-aged women in Chennai, South India. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 140 healthy female subjects aged 40-60 years, categorized into four groups based on BMI: Normal (18.5-22.9 kg/m²), At Risk (23-24.9 kg/m²), Obese 1 (25.0-29.9 kg/m²), and Obese 2 (>30 kg/m²). Anthropometric measurements were taken, and cognitive function was assessed using the Ad- denbrooke’s Cognitive Examination (ACE) questionnaire, covering domains such as attention/orientation, memory, verbal fluency, language, and visuo-spatial abilities. Data analysis was performed using R statistical software, with ANOVA and post hoc tests to compare groups, and Pearson correlation to examine associations between anthropomet- ric values and cognitive scores. Results: Significant differences were found in height, weight, BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, and neck circumference across BMI groups (p < 0.001). Cognitive scores significantly decreased with increasing BMI across all domains (p = 0.0001). orientation/attention, memory, verbal fluency, language, and visuo-spatial ability scores were lowest in the Obese 2 group. Strong negative correlations were observed between BMI (r = -0.84, p = 0.0001), waist circumference (r = -0.49, p = 0.0001), hip circumference (r = -0.54, p = 0.0001), neck circumference (r = -0.41, p = 0.0001), and cognitive scores. The waist-hip ratio did not show a significant correlation with cognitive scores. Conclusion: This study demonstrates a significant association between obesity and cognitive impairment in mid- dle-aged women. Reducing excess weight through interventions such as diet and physical activity may improve cog- nitive function and reduce morbidity and mortality. Early intervention is crucial for optimal benefits.
Description
Keywords
obesity, cognitive function, middle-Aged women, BMI, anthropometric measurements, Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination, Chennai, India
Citation
A DB, Johnson P, K MK.. The Association Between Obesity and Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study in South India . National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology. 2024 Dec; 14(12): 2595-2600