Mind in motion: executive function and health outcomes in a multidisciplinary care program for higher body weight

Executive function deficits, particularly in cognitive flexibility, are often implicated in people with Higher Body Weight (HBW). The current study aimed to explore the association between specific executive functions (attentional capacities, sequencing, and flexibility) with self-reported physical and mental health outcomes over 12 months in individuals with HBW (Class 3 obesity, BMI≥40 kg/m²). Participants (n = 244, 70.5 % female) enrolled in an outpatient weight management program, mean age 48.1 ± 13.7 years, weight 150.3 ± 32.7 kg, and BMI 53.3 ± 9.1 kg/m². They completed the Trail Making Test (TMT) assessing cognitive state (attentional capacities, sequencing, and flexibility), Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire-Short (EDE-QS) assessing eating disorder symptoms, Kessler-10 Scale (K10) assessing psychological distress, and 12-Item Short-Form Survey (SF-12) measuring self-reported physical health. Results showed that at baseline the participants demonstrated cognitive impairment, and had moderate to high levels of psychological distress, and eating disorder symptoms. Significant (p < 0.05) correlations were found between age and slower cognitive processing and cognitive flexibility at baseline. At 12 months follow-up, cognitive function, psychological distress, and binge eating frequency improved significantly compared to baseline (p < 0.001). Self-reported physical health measures of the SF-12 including self-reported energy levels and moderate physical activity, correlated with better cognitive performance at both time points. Conversely, weight, BMI, and psychological distress showed weak associations with cognitive function. These findings indicate that Self-reported physical health measures, rather than anthropometry or psychological distress, may be key predictors of cognitive function in individuals with HBW. Addressing both physical and emotional health may be crucial for improving cognitive and overall treatment outcomes in this population.