Cognitive Inhibition and Working Memory in Obese and Normal Women

The increasing incidence of overweight or obesity is a significant health problem.  Hence, this study aims to investigate attention inhibition and memory function in obese and normal women.

This descriptive study was conducted from 2017 to 2018 in Ahvaz. A sample of 200 women referred to sports clubs was selected by the convenience sampling method. The tools included the Stroop test and the Working Memory Rating Scale (WMRS). The data were analyzed using SPSS (Version 23), the multivariate analysis of covariance (MANOVA), and the independent t-test.

According to the results, the multivariate analysis of variance at the level of P<0.001 showed a significant difference between the mean scores of the obese and normal women. Also, there was a significant difference between the two groups in the portion of correct answers to the Stroop test (P<0.001). Findings indicated that obese women had a lower active memory level than normal ones (P<0.001).

In this study, the data analysis showed a higher body mass index in women to be associated with attention inhibition and memory function in the obese group. Therefore, the implementation of programs and the promotion of lifestyles that prevent obesity are considered protective factors.