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Cognition, Brain Structure, and Brain Function in Individuals with Obesity and Related Disorders

  • Etiology of Obesity (M Rosenbaum, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Obesity is one of the most serious public health concerns. Excess adipose tissue, particularly with a centralized distribution, is associated with cognitive decline. Indeed, obesity has been associated with a number of adverse changes in brain function and structure that can be detected by neuroimaging techniques. These obesity-associated changes in the brain are associated with cognitive dysfunction.

Recent Findings

While the pathways by which excess adipose tissue affects brain function are not fully understood, available evidence points towards insulin resistance, inflammation, and vascular dysfunction, as possible mechanisms responsible for the observed relations between obesity and cognitive impairment.

Summary

It appears that weight loss is related to better brain and cognitive outcomes and that cognitive impairment due to obesity may be reversible.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, The University of Texas at Austin, 2109 San Jacinto Blvd, D3700, Austin, TX, 78712, USA

    Hirofumi Tanaka & Drew D. Gourley

  2. Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA

    Maria Dekhtyar & Andreana P. Haley

  3. Biomedical Imaging Center, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA

    Andreana P. Haley

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  1. Hirofumi Tanaka
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  2. Drew D. Gourley
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  4. Andreana P. Haley
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Correspondence to Hirofumi Tanaka.

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Tanaka, H., Gourley, D.D., Dekhtyar, M. et al. Cognition, Brain Structure, and Brain Function in Individuals with Obesity and Related Disorders. Curr Obes Rep 9, 544–549 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13679-020-00412-y

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