PubMed ID: 41017217
Author(s): Luchsinger JA, Pan Q, Knowler WC, Munshi M, Watson K, Gadde KM, Schlögl M, Carmichael OT; DPP Research Group. Association of BMI and Cognitive Performance in the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2025 Dec;33(12):2365-2376. doi: 10.1002/oby.70031. Epub 2025 Sep 28. PMID: 41017217; PMCID: PMC12636062.PMID 41017217
Journal: Obesity 33(12):2365-2376
Objective: This study aimed to examine the association of BMI with cognitive performance in individuals with diabetes or prediabetes.
Methods: Among Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study (DPPOS) participants, BMI was categorized as normal (< 25 kg/m2), overweight (25 to < 30 kg/m2), or obesity (≥ 30 kg/m2). Cognitive tests included the Brief Spanish English Verbal Learning Test (B-SEVLT) and the Digit Symbol Substitution test (DSST). The relationship between BMI at DPPOS Year 8 (Y8) visit and cognitive test scores at Y8, Y10, and Y15 visits was ascertained via linear mixed models accounting for repeated measures. Analogous models related BMI to Modified Mini-Mental State exam (3MS) score at Y15.
Results: A total of 2285 participants (mean ± SD age 51.1 ± 10.0 years; 67.7% female; 31% with overweight; and 60% with obesity at DPPOS Y8) completed cognitive assessments. Those with overweight or obesity at Y8 had a slower decline in B-SEVLT immediate and delayed recall, compared with those with normal BMI; 3MS performance was higher among individuals with overweight or obesity compared to those with normal BMI at Y15.
Conclusions: Among individuals with prediabetes or diabetes in DPPOS, overweight or obesity was associated with slower decline in verbal learning and memory compared with those with normal BMI.