Mind in Motion: Executive function and health outcomes in a multidisciplinary care program for higher body weight

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience and Psychology
• Obesity Research
• Public Health

Background:

• Executive function deficits, especially cognitive flexibility, are common in individuals with higher body weight (HBW).
• Understanding the relationship between cognitive function and health outcomes in HBW is crucial for effective weight management.
• Class 3 obesity (BMI≥40kg/m²) represents a significant health challenge with potential cognitive implications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between specific executive functions (attention, sequencing, flexibility) and self-reported physical and mental health outcomes over 12 months in individuals with HBW.
• To identify predictors of cognitive function in this population.
• To evaluate changes in cognitive function and health outcomes following a weight management program.

Main Methods:

• A 12-month prospective study involving 244 participants (Class 3 obesity) in an outpatient weight management program.
• Assessment of executive functions using the Trail Making Test (TMT).
• Evaluation of eating disorder symptoms (EDE-QS), psychological distress (Kessler-10), and self-reported physical health (SF-12).

Main Results:

• Baseline assessment revealed cognitive impairment, psychological distress, and eating disorder symptoms in participants.
• Significant improvements in cognitive function, psychological distress, and binge eating frequency were observed after 12 months.
• Self-reported physical health measures (energy levels, physical activity) correlated positively with cognitive performance, while weight, BMI, and distress showed weaker associations.

Conclusions:

• Self-reported physical health, rather than anthropometry or psychological distress, appears to be a key predictor of cognitive function in individuals with HBW.
• Improvements in cognitive function are associated with better self-reported physical health over a 12-month period.
• Integrated approaches addressing both physical and emotional health are vital for enhancing cognitive function and overall treatment outcomes in individuals with higher body weight.