Impact of an Integrated Dietary and Physical-Cognitive Exercise Program on Cognitive Function and Cardiometabolic Health in Obese Postmenopausal Women

Abstract

Background: Obesity in postmenopausal women is associated with increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases and cognitive decline. Addressing these issues through integrated lifestyle interventions may provide significant health benefits.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of a combined dietary intervention and physical-cognitive exercise program on cognitive function and cardiometabolic health in postmenopausal women with obesity.

Methods: This randomized controlled trial included 68 postmenopausal women with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m². Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n=34) or the control group (n=34). The intervention group received a 12-week program combining a Mediterranean diet with physical and cognitive exercises. The control group received standard care. Baseline and post-intervention assessments included BMI, memory scores, and executive function tests. Data collection was performed by blinded assessors. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25.0, with independent t-tests comparing pre- and post-intervention outcomes between groups, and paired t-tests evaluating within-group changes. A significance level of p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The intervention group showed a significant reduction in BMI (mean 29.72 kg/m², SD = 2.01) compared to the control group (mean 31.43 kg/m², SD = 2.14) (p = 0.002). Memory scores improved significantly in the intervention group (mean 85.92, SD = 7.68) compared to the control group (mean 75.74, SD = 9.12) (p < 0.001). Executive function scores also improved significantly in the intervention group (mean 62.11, SD = 7.42) compared to the control group (mean 49.52, SD = 8.17) (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: The combined dietary intervention and physical-cognitive exercise program significantly improved both cognitive function and cardiometabolic health in postmenopausal women with obesity. These findings suggest that integrating dietary modifications with physical and cognitive exercises could offer a holistic approach to managing obesity and its associated cognitive decline in this population.

Keywords: Postmenopausal women, obesity, cognitive function, cardiometabolic health, dietary intervention, physical exercise, cognitive exercise, Mediterranean diet, randomized controlled trial, BMI, memory improvement, executive function.