Interactive effect of obesity indexes on cognition.

This study aimed to investigate associations between obesity and poor cognitive performance using data from a community study of 467 individuals aged > or = 65 years in South Korea. Cognitive function was ascertained using the Korean Mini-Mental State Examination (K-MMSE), and obesity using anthropometric measures including waist circumference and body mass index (BMI). Poor cognitive performance was present in 37% of the sample. General obesity (BMI > or = 25) and poor cognition were strongly associated in the presence of abdominal obesity. Poor cognition was negatively associated with overweight (BMI 23-25) with normal waist circumference. Interaction terms with abdominal obesity for BMI increase were significant (p = 0.007). Obesity was associated with poor cognition, and obesity indexes must be carefully considered to reveal this relationship.