Is there a role for higher cognitive processes in the development of obesity in humans?

Suzanne Higgs*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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Abstract

Cognition underpins the flexibility of human eating and disruption to higher cognitive processes, such as inhibitory control and memory, and can result in increased food intake, which in the long term could result in weight gain. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the current evidence on cognition as a causal factor in the development of obesity in humans. Evidence from meta-analyses supports the suggestion that cognitive function is cross-sectionally associated with obesity even when controlling for a range of confounding variables. However, this association could be explained by reverse causality because there is also evidence that the metabolic syndrome and a history of excess western diet consumption alters brain structure and cognitive function. Data from longitudinal and interventional studies and from non-human animal models suggest a reciprocal relationship between obesity and cognitive function exists but whether disruption to higher cognitive processes is a primary cause of obesity in humans remains unclear. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘Causes of obesity: theories, conjectures and evidence (Part I)’.
Original languageEnglish
Article number20220208
Number of pages10
JournalRoyal Society of London. Proceedings B. Biological Sciences
Volume378
Issue number1885
Early online date24 Jul 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 11 Sept 2023

Keywords

  • cognition
  • inhibitory control
  • memory
  • eating
  • causes of obesity

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