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Executive function in individuals with clinically significant weight loss via behavioral intervention.
Marissa A Gowey1, William H Neumeier2, Samantha Henry3
1University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham Alabama USA.
Obesity Science & Practice
|March 8, 2021
Summary
Individuals who achieved significant weight loss through behavioral intervention showed average to above-average executive function (EF). Better decision-making skills were linked to successful long-term weight loss maintenance.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Science
- Neuroscience
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Executive function (EF) impacts obesity development and self-management.
- Poorer EF is linked to less successful short-term obesity treatment outcomes.
- Distinct EF domains may influence initial weight loss versus maintenance.
Purpose of the Study:
- Characterize EF in individuals with significant weight loss from behavioral intervention.
- Identify EF differences between weight loss maintainers and regainers.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 44 participants with ≥5% weight loss.
- Categorized participants into 'Maintainers' (n=16) and 'Regainers' (n=28).
- Assessed performance-based EF, IQ, health literacy, mood, binge eating, and demographics.
Main Results:
- Maintainers outperformed regainers in decision-making (p=0.003).
- No significant differences in inhibitory control, verbal fluency, planning, flexibility, or working memory.
- Over 75% of participants demonstrated average to above-average EF.
Conclusions:
- Most individuals with obesity achieving weight loss via behavioral methods have average to above-average EF.
- Enhanced decision-making is associated with successful weight loss maintenance.
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