Abstract

Background: Obesity affects our body in different manner and considered as an important public health problem. Various cognitive functions of brain get affected by high body mass index (BMI > 30 Kg/m2 ). Aims and Objectives: This study aims to study the correlation of BMI with cognitive performance of undergraduate medical students.
Materials and Methods: A total of 230 medical students were selected in random manner in a medical college. Informed consent was given by all study subjects. All study subjects were informed about tests to be performed. Quetlet’s formula was used to measure BMI. “Montreal Cognition Assessment Test” was used to check cognitive functions in medical students.
Results: There was significant negative correlation between BMI and cognitive function score in overweight and obese category (P < 0.05). Proportion of study subjects with cognitive function score < 0.01). Conclusion: The elevated BMI is associated with decreased cognitive function even in very healthy individuals also. This is an indication of the implementation of public health measures to maintain appropriate lifestyle so as to maintain normal BMI.