Effect of High BMI on Cognitive Performance in Young Adult Individuals

Abstract

The objective of this research is to investigate the relationship between Body mass index (BMI) and cognitive performance in undergraduate medical students. A total of 230 medical students were chosen at random from a medical college.BMI was calculated using Quetlet's formula. To assess cognitive functions in medical students, the "Montreal Cognition Assessment Test" was used. In the overweight and obese groups, there was a significant negative correlation between BMI and cognitive function score (P < 0.05). Proportion of study subjects with cognitive function score <26 was significantly more in overweight and obese group in comparison with BMI group within normal limit (P < 0.01). Even in very healthy people, having a high BMI is associated with poor cognitive function. This is an indication of the adoption of public health measures to maintain an appropriate lifestyle in order to maintain a normal BMI.