Obesity and cognitive functions among adolescent girls

Obesity is a complex condition, which includes the interaction of biological, development, environmental, behavioural, and genetic factors. Growing rate of obesity during childhood and adolescents has become a global issue in both developed and developing countries. In view of the growing rate of overweight and obesity among adolescents, it is estimated that by 2030 there will be 30% of children across the world will have overweight and obesity. This review begins with the general introduction of overweight and obesity and its causes and consequences of obesity. The main aim of the paper is to examine the effects of obesity on cognition functions among adolescents. Studies in this area have found that obesity has negative effects on brain changes as well as several cognitive functions including executing functions, working memory, attention, cognitive flexibility, which in turn, affect scholastic performance of children and adolescents. Finally, several measures for the prevention and management of obesity among children and adolescents have been discussed and several measures to improve health, quality of life and cognitive performance have been suggested.