Association between Metacognition and Obesity in Male Individuals of South Indian Population

Abstract

Introduction: Metamemory is the introspective knowledge of one's brain memory capability and process involved in memory self-monitoring. This self-awareness of memory has important implications for how people learn and use memories. Aim(s): The aim is to assess the metamemory in male obese individuals. Material(s) and Method(s): A study was conducted among 165 male obese category at random south Indian population. The participants were asked to complete a self-reported questionnaire on Metamemory. The Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire (MMQ), developed to assess separate dimensions of memory ratings that are applicable to clinical assessment and intervention, includes scales of Contentment (i.e., affect regarding one's memory), Ability (i.e., self-appraisal of one's memory capabilities), and Strategy (i.e., reported frequency of memory strategy use). Result(s): Association between corresponding subscale scores and obesity indicates a weak correlation between BMI, satisfaction (r =-.11) and strategy (r =-.11). In addition, the MMQ subscales and the total score showed good internal consistency (alphas = 0.81-0.84). Conclusion(s): The results would conclude that overweight and obese male individuals had poor metamemory scores. The study would also help the overweight and obese individuals to identify any early stage of cognitive impairment and create an awareness to delay or prevent any further metacognitive dysfunction.Copyright © 2021, Institute of Medico-Legal Publications. All rights reserved.