The Effect of Physical Activity Interventions on Executive Function in Overweight and Obese Adults: A Systematic Review

<b>Background/objectives</b>: Overweight and obesity are global public health problems associated with chronic disease and mental health. Physical activity (PA) is essential throughout a person’s life; an active lifestyle helps people to live healthier lives and improve their functional...

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Main Authors: María Elena Chávez-Hernández, Lizbeth De La Torre, Luis Miguel Rodríguez-Serrano, Marina Wöbbeking-Sánchez
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-11-01
Series:Biomedicines
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/12/12/2724
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author María Elena Chávez-Hernández
Lizbeth De La Torre
Luis Miguel Rodríguez-Serrano
Marina Wöbbeking-Sánchez
author_facet María Elena Chávez-Hernández
Lizbeth De La Torre
Luis Miguel Rodríguez-Serrano
Marina Wöbbeking-Sánchez
author_sort María Elena Chávez-Hernández
collection DOAJ
description <b>Background/objectives</b>: Overweight and obesity are global public health problems associated with chronic disease and mental health. Physical activity (PA) is essential throughout a person’s life; an active lifestyle helps people to live healthier lives and improve their functional and mental abilities, such as executive function (EF). This systematic review aimed to analyze the evidence on the effects of PA on EF in overweight and/or obese adults (≥18 years old). <b>Methods</b>: Records from the PubMed, ScienceDirect, and JSTOR databases were searched and, following the PRISMA guidelines, seven studies were included in the present systematic review. Risk of bias was assessed using the National Institute of Health Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies. Results from the studies included indicate that acute, short-term, and long-term PA interventions are an effective strategy to improve inhibitory control, working memory, and processing speed in overweight and obese adults. Furthermore, evidence indicates that EF can be effective as a measure to predict adherence to PA programs and weight loss. <b>Conclusions</b>: Exercise and physical activity interventions are a promising therapeutic strategy to promote weight loss and improve EF in adults with overweight and obesity. Additionally, EF may be further explored as a predictor of healthy aging due to the choices made throughout life and the long-term benefits that result.
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spelling doaj-art-ff8a6007d6fb4ae9ac152635ea3236302025-08-20T02:55:49ZengMDPI AGBiomedicines2227-90592024-11-011212272410.3390/biomedicines12122724The Effect of Physical Activity Interventions on Executive Function in Overweight and Obese Adults: A Systematic ReviewMaría Elena Chávez-Hernández0Lizbeth De La Torre1Luis Miguel Rodríguez-Serrano2Marina Wöbbeking-Sánchez3Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Anáhuac México, Universidad Anáhuac Avenue #46, Lomas Anáhuac, Huixquilucan 52786, MexicoFacultad de Psicología, Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca, Calle de la Compañía, 5, 37002 Salamanca, SpainFacultad de Psicología, Universidad Anáhuac México, Universidad Anáhuac Avenue #46, Lomas Anáhuac, Huixquilucan 52786, MexicoFacultad de Psicología, Universidad de Salamanca, Avenida de la Merced, 109, 37005 Salamanca, Spain<b>Background/objectives</b>: Overweight and obesity are global public health problems associated with chronic disease and mental health. Physical activity (PA) is essential throughout a person’s life; an active lifestyle helps people to live healthier lives and improve their functional and mental abilities, such as executive function (EF). This systematic review aimed to analyze the evidence on the effects of PA on EF in overweight and/or obese adults (≥18 years old). <b>Methods</b>: Records from the PubMed, ScienceDirect, and JSTOR databases were searched and, following the PRISMA guidelines, seven studies were included in the present systematic review. Risk of bias was assessed using the National Institute of Health Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies. Results from the studies included indicate that acute, short-term, and long-term PA interventions are an effective strategy to improve inhibitory control, working memory, and processing speed in overweight and obese adults. Furthermore, evidence indicates that EF can be effective as a measure to predict adherence to PA programs and weight loss. <b>Conclusions</b>: Exercise and physical activity interventions are a promising therapeutic strategy to promote weight loss and improve EF in adults with overweight and obesity. Additionally, EF may be further explored as a predictor of healthy aging due to the choices made throughout life and the long-term benefits that result.https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/12/12/2724physical activityexecutive functionoverweightobesityadults
spellingShingle María Elena Chávez-Hernández
Lizbeth De La Torre
Luis Miguel Rodríguez-Serrano
Marina Wöbbeking-Sánchez
The Effect of Physical Activity Interventions on Executive Function in Overweight and Obese Adults: A Systematic Review
Biomedicines
physical activity
executive function
overweight
obesity
adults
title The Effect of Physical Activity Interventions on Executive Function in Overweight and Obese Adults: A Systematic Review
title_full The Effect of Physical Activity Interventions on Executive Function in Overweight and Obese Adults: A Systematic Review
title_fullStr The Effect of Physical Activity Interventions on Executive Function in Overweight and Obese Adults: A Systematic Review
title_full_unstemmed The Effect of Physical Activity Interventions on Executive Function in Overweight and Obese Adults: A Systematic Review
title_short The Effect of Physical Activity Interventions on Executive Function in Overweight and Obese Adults: A Systematic Review
title_sort effect of physical activity interventions on executive function in overweight and obese adults a systematic review
topic physical activity
executive function
overweight
obesity
adults
url https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/12/12/2724
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