Bariatric Surgery Improves Cognition Function in the Patients with Obesity: A Meta-Analysis

Obes Surg. 2024 Mar;34(3):1004-1017. doi: 10.1007/s11695-024-07086-8. Epub 2024 Feb 12.

Abstract

Obesity and related comorbidities have negative impacts on cognitive function. Weight loss seems to be associated with the improvement of cognitive function and the recovery of brain structure, but the underlying mechanism is not clear. This meta-analysis aimed to explore the status of cognitive function including memory, executive function, attention and language ability in patients with obesity, and to further investigate whether bariatric surgery can improve overall cognitive function in these patients. A total of 11 literatures with 728 subjects were included after retrieval and exclusion. The meta-analysis showed significant improvements in memory, attention and executive function scores after undergoing bariatric surgery in the patients with obesity. However, there was no significant improvement in language ability.

Keywords: Attention; Cognitive function; Executive function; Memory; Meta-analysis; Metabolic and bariatric surgery.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bariatric Surgery*
  • Cognition
  • Executive Function
  • Humans
  • Obesity / complications
  • Obesity / psychology
  • Obesity / surgery
  • Obesity, Morbid* / surgery