Physical exercise consequences on memory in obesity: A systematic review

Abstract

Summary Obesity is associated with changes in memory. Thus, the aim of this systematic review was to investigate the physical exercise consequences on memory in obesity. A search was carried out in the PubMed, Lilacs, and Scielo databases with the following descriptors: “physical exercise,” “memory,” and “obesity.” A total of 16 studies were analyzed in this review. Low, moderate, and high intensity exercise training showed positive effects on memory in patients with obesity (100%). The animal models of obesity used in their physical exercise protocols: treadmill (72.7%) or wheel running (27.3%). Most of the animal studies (81.8%) revealed positive effects of the physical exercise protocol on memory in obesity. Mouse was the most commonly used animal (54.5%), and a 60% high‐fat diet (HFD) was the most commonly method used to induce obesity (82%). We did not identify any knockout model of obesity that was used to evaluate memory and used physical exercise as the main intervention. Thus, exercise training, independently if it is resistance or endurance training, seems to be an excellent intervention to prevent and inhibit cognitive impairment and memory loss on obese patients and animal models of obesity.

Moderate-intensity continuous training and high-intensity interval training improve cognition, and BDNF levels of middle-aged overweight men

“…Studies examining cognitive function in overweight and obese individuals have reported impairments in several cognitive domains including attention (Fergenbaum et al 2009), visuospatial function (Boeka and Lokken 2008), verbal memory (Cournot et al 2006), visual memory (Boeka and Lokken 2008), working memory (Coppin et al 2008), and executive function (conceptualization, inhibition) (Fagundo et al 2012). Participating in regular endurance physical exercise is thought to lead to cognitive benefits (Cassilhas et al 2012;De Sousa et al 2021c). The main findings in our study indicate that MICT and HIIT enhance, posterior to 8 weeks of the physical exercise protocol, serum BDNF levels, and improve the cognitive function of middle-aged overweight men (p < 0.05).…”

The evolving view of thermogenic fat and its implications in cancer and metabolic diseases

“… 369 In addition, exercise enhances glucose homeostasis and protects against metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes. 370 Recently, investigators have demonstrated that exercise induces the phenotypic conversion of white adipocytes to thermogenic adipocytes through a range of mechanisms. 371 During exercise, increased plasma epinephrine stimulates lipolysis through acting cAMP, PKA, and phosphorylates adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL).…”

High-Intensity Interval Training-Induced Hippocampal Molecular Changes Associated with Improvement in Anxiety-like Behavior but Not Cognitive Function in Rats with Type 2 Diabetes

“…In general, three methods have been proposed for the prevention and treatment of diabetes-induced AD-like symptoms, including diet therapy, medication, and exercise training [ 13 , 14 ]. Among them, exercise training has been emphasized because it does not have side effects, does not need special equipment, and is not expensive.…”

“…Among them, exercise training has been emphasized because it does not have side effects, does not need special equipment, and is not expensive. Added to these are the psychological advantages associated with exercise training [ 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ].…”