Oral Presentation Australian & New Zealand Obesity Society 2015 Annual Scientific Meeting

The relationship between habitual physical activity and cognitive function in healthy-weight and obese young women (#113)

Eka Cox 1 , Rebecca Cook 1 , Cheyne Donges 2 , Nicholas O'Dwyer 1 2 , Janet Franklin 3 , Hoi Lun Cheng 4 , Katharine Steinbeck 4 , Kieron Rooney 1 5 , Helen Parker 1 5 , Helen O'Connor 1 5
  1. Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  2. School of Human Movement Studies, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, NSW, Australia
  3. Metabolism & Obesity Services, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  4. Academic Department of Adolescent Medicine, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
  5. Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia

Background: Emerging evidence suggests that physical activity (PA) is associated not only with decreased risk of lifestyle diseases, but also with enhanced cognitive function and lower risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Limited research on PA and cognition exists in young adults. This cross-sectional study sought to examine the association between habitual PA and cognitive function in healthy-weight and obese young women.

Methods: Healthy, young (18-35 y) women with a body mass index (BMI) of 18.5-24.9 kg.m-2 (healthy-weight) or ≥30.0 kg.m-2 (obese) were recruited. Participants were non-smoking and free of neurological, psychiatric and other medical conditions (or medications/substances) known to impair cognitive function. Participants completed anthropometric (BMI, waist circumference) and validated computerised cognitive (IntegNeuroTM) assessments. Performance overall and on six cognitive domains (response speed, impulsivity, attention and concentration, information processing, memory and executive function) was reported as standard ten (STEN) scores (normal range 3.5-7.5). Sitting hours and average weekly PA (MET-minutes) calculated from time engaged in walking, moderate and vigorous activity was obtained via the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Analyses used ANOVA, Chi square and Pearson correlation. Data is reported as mean±SD.

Major findings: In total, 226 young (26.2±5.3 y) women (healthy-weight: n=147; obese: n=79) were recruited. Healthy-weight women had higher levels of total PA (3083.0±2318.0 vs. 2291.0±1918.6 MET-mins/wk; p=0.010) and less sitting time (7.3±3.1 vs. 8.2±3.4 hr/week day; p=0.021) than obese women. Cognitive function was within normal range but for total thinking STEN-scores healthy-weight women scored higher than those who were obese (5.9±1.3 vs. 5.4±1.4; p=0.004). Overall thinking scores were lower for obese women (p=0.003). No significant associations were found between PA and cognitive function.

Conclusions: Weight appears to be associated with reduced cognitive function, independent of PA.

Funding Disclosure: This research was funded by Meat & Livestock Australia.