Self-reported physical activity is associated with cognitive function in lean, but not obese individuals

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Greater physical activity is linked to better cognitive functioning in healthy populations.
• This relationship is less understood in obese individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between physical activity and cognitive function (attention/executive function) in lean and obese college students.
• To compare cognitive performance and physical activity levels between lean and obese groups.

Main Methods:

• Assessed attention/executive function using performance-based measures.
• Measured self-reported physical activity with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ).
• Included lean (n=36) and obese (n=36) college students.

Main Results:

• Lean students outperformed obese students on attention/executive function tasks.
• No significant differences in self-reported physical activity were found between groups.
• In lean individuals, higher physical activity correlated with faster reaction time but more errors in inhibitory control.
• In obese individuals, higher physical activity correlated with slower reaction time.

Conclusions:

• Physical activity benefits cognitive function in lean individuals, but the relationship is complex and may differ in obese individuals.
• Cognitive deficits in obesity might overshadow physical activity benefits.
• Future research should use objective measures and interventions to clarify physical activity's role in obese individuals' cognition.