Exercise and brain function in obese & overweight people - a review

Abstract

Obesity has become a global epidemic and has almost tripled since 1975. Obesity results from an excessive accumulation of fat in the adipose tissues and has correlations with cardiovascular comorbidities. Cognition is affected by obesity mainly due to structural and functional brain changes. Exercise and physical activity for general populations have shown to have advantages at all levels in the management of obesity. This review aims to examine if exercise can improve brain function in obese and overweight people. Studies have looked at the obesity effects on factors associated with deteriorating cognitive and motor functions. Obesity has been found to have an association with a reduction in cognition and brain plasticity. There are important functions of exercise for aiding the overall health of the brain however the ways in which brain health is supported by exercise are not well understood. Therefore, it is important to explore if exercise can improve brain function and cognition along with reducing a decline in motor functions. This review also discusses how brain function can be improved with aerobic exercise. Exercise interventions that start early in life seems to have huge benefits for brain function. For long enough periods of time, moderately intense exercise has been found to be especially advantageous for young people.