Exercise and dietary program-induced weight reduction is associated with cognitive function among obese adolescents:
Chun Xie1, Xiaochun Wang1, Chenglin Zhou1
1School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, Shanghai, China.
Peerj
|May 24, 2017
Summary
A combined exercise and diet program reduced weight and improved executive function in obese adolescents. Weight changes mediated the positive effects on cognitive function.
Area of Science:
- Obesity Research
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Adolescent obesity is a growing concern with potential negative impacts on cognitive function.
- Understanding interventions that can improve both weight status and cognition is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a combined exercise and dietary program on cognitive function in obese adolescents.
- To investigate the relationship between program-induced weight changes and alterations in cognitive function.
Main Methods:
- A quasi-experimental design was employed with 58 obese adolescents (BMI >28 kg/m²).
- Participants were assigned to an experimental group (n=30) receiving a 4-week exercise and diet plan or a control group (n=28) maintaining normal activities.
- Primary outcomes included anthropometric data and flanker task performance.
Main Results:
- The experimental group showed reduced BMI and maintained incongruent accuracy on the flanker task.
- The control group experienced a decrease in incongruent accuracy.
- Weight reduction was inversely correlated with improvements in incongruent accuracy.
Conclusions:
- A combined exercise and dietary intervention effectively reduced weight and enhanced executive function in obese adolescents.
- Weight alteration appears to mediate the positive effects of the intervention on executive function.
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