Frontiers in Endocrinology (Nov 2022)

Higher general executive functions predicts lower body mass index by mitigating avoidance behaviors

  • Marco La Marra,
  • Ciro Rosario Ilardi,
  • Ciro Rosario Ilardi,
  • Ines Villano,
  • Rita Polito,
  • Maria Raffella Sibillo,
  • Marina Franchetti,
  • Angela Caggiano,
  • Francesca Strangio,
  • Giovanni Messina,
  • Vincenzo Monda,
  • Girolamo Di Maio,
  • Antonietta Messina

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2022.1048363
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13

Abstract

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BackgroundThe present study examines the relationship between obesity, executive functions, and body image in a nonclinical population from southern Italy.MethodsGeneral executive functioning (Frontal Assessment Battery–15), and body image disturbances (Body Uneasiness Test) were assessed in a sample including 255 participants (138 females, M age = 43.51 years, SD = 17.94, range = 18–86 years; M body mass index (BMI) = 26.21, SD = 4.32, range = 18.03–38.79).FindingsMultiple Linear Regression Analysis indicated that age, years of education, FAB15 score, body image concerns, and avoidance predicted the variance of BMI. A subsequent mediation analysis highlighted that the indirect effect of FAB15 on BMI through avoidance was statistically significant.InterpretationOur results suggest that more performing executive functioning predicts a decrease in BMI that is partially due to the mitigation of avoidance behaviors.

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