The Relationship between Body Mass Index and Cognitive Function in Young Adults - A Correlational Study

Abstract

Background: Cognitive functions are conscious mental activities such as thinking, remembering, learning and using language. The function of cognition is the ability of attention, memory, judgement, problem solving and executive abilities such as planning, evaluating and monitoring. Body mass index (BMI) is an estimate of body fat based on height and weight. It can help determine whether a person is at an unhealthy or healthy weight. Several studies indicate that cognitive function is impaired in elderly population with respect to BMI and also indicate that greater BMI in midlife is associated with higher risk of cognitive impairment. So, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between body mass index and cognitive function in young adults. Methodology: A "Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) scale" was filled by the 134 young adults (18 to 35 years) through interview method. Result: Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 20. Pearson's test of correlation was applied between outcome measures. There is a weak negative but statistically significant correlation found between body mass index (BMI) and MOCA scores (r = -o.174). Conclusion: This study demonstrated weak negative correlation between body mass index and cognitive function in young adults. Key words: Body mass index, Cognitive function, Young adults.