Body Mass Index as an Indicator of Psychological Well-being and Memory Functioning in Middle-aged Indian Adults

Background Body mass index (BMI) has long been an important parameter of concerns ranging from hypertension to hyperglycemia. Alongside these medical conditions, BMI is seen to be equally effective in predicting psychological correlates including well-being and cognition focusing on memory functioning. Objectives The objectives of the study are to study the sub-domains of memory and perception of psychological well-being (PWB) in high and normal BMI groups comprising middle-aged adults. Material and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on an urban population comprising adults in the age range of 40–60 years. Data were obtained from more than 60 individuals who were further screened to be grouped into two categories, namely one with a BMI value normal: 18.5–24.9 and another with a BMI measure equal to and above 25 (obese), each comprising data of 30 distinct individuals. A questionnaire survey followed by a psychometric test was administered to the participants. Results Findings suggest a significant correlation of 0.427 between normal BMI and memory functioning, PWB and memory functioning, and also significant mean differences between aspects of PWB, like autonomy, and personal growth, and sub-domains of memory functioning like a recent memory, remote memory, and mental balance across the two groups. Conclusion The present study has indicated that BMI is an indicator in determining memory functioning and well-being in middle-aged adults in an urban population.