A Comprehensive Review on the Role of Obesity in Functional Cognition (Part I): Epidemiology and Alternations in Brain Structure

Abstract

The condition of obesity, which is defined by an excessive amount of adipose tissue, is being increasingly acknowledged as having significant consequences for the structure and functioning of the brain. Numerous studies have demonstrated that obesity is linked to significant modifications in the structure of the brain, encompassing variations in the volume of gray matter, the integrity of white matter, and modifications in particular brain regions responsible for regulating appetite and cognitive control. For example, research employing neuroimaging methodologies such as magnetic resonance imaging has consistently indicated that individuals with obesity frequently display diminished gray matter volume in areas such as the prefrontal cortex, which is known to play a critical role in processes such as decision-making and impulse control. Furthermore, there have been observations of white matter abnormalities that impact the interconnection among brain regions responsible for hunger regulation and reward processing. These abnormalities may potentially play a role in the development of overeating tendencies and compromised self-control. The aforementioned alterations in structure are not solely connected to obesity, but are also correlated with cognitive deficits, namely in domains pertaining to memory, attention, and executive functioning. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the complex correlation between obesity and brain structure is of utmost importance, as it provides valuable insights into the neurological foundations of cognitive impairments in individuals affected by obesity. Moreover, this knowledge serves as a basis for the creation of specific interventions aimed at alleviating the cognitive repercussions associated with this widespread public health issue.