Abstract
The association between nutritional status and cognitive function has its own history and has been studied from the philosophical, physiological and clinical points of view. Eating disorders, in addition to qualitative changes, can have two extremes - inadequate food intake with resulting malnutrition and conditions associated with excessive food intake and subsequent obesity.
Obesity is a complex disorder associated with genetic disposition and factors of lifestyle. Obese people were found to have structural alterations of the specific brain systems, namely in the hippocampus.
It can manifest in disturbances of long-term memory, attention, executive functions deficits (worse cognitive performance) and represents a risk factor for the development of dementia and Alzheimer disease. The endocrine role of adipose tissue, effects of metabolic hormones, cytokines, and fatty acids is discussed as well as epigenetic mechanisms that may modulate cognitive functions of the brain.
Cognitive deficits induced by obesity are theoretically reversible. By elimination of those factors that lead to obesity, particularly by increase physical activity, exercise, walking, caloric restriction, the cognitive deficit can be reduced.
Further discussion might deserve the generally accepted fact that most obese people have a positive assessment of their life. The relationship of obesity and cognitive function cannot be probably simplified in a relationship: slim thin = clever and stout fat = stupid (but happy?).
On the other hand, it is almost futile to seek an overweight genius.