PhD defence Madhronica Sardjoe

Keywords: Eating behaviour, Cognition, Exercise, Food choices

"The effects of exercise on eating behaviour and the mediating role of cognitive functions"

Rising physical inactivity, sedentary behaviour, and diets rich in energy-dense and processed foods have contributed to increased obesity rates, disrupted brain energy metabolism, and impairments in cognitive functioning, particularly executive functioning involved in self-regulation and appetite control. This thesis aimed to investigate how exercise can influence eating behaviour, and to explore the extent to which cognitive functioning may mediate this relationship, using a randomised controlled cross-over trial, a cross-sectional online study, and a systematic review.

Across studies, the findings provide support for the hypothesis that exercise is associated with improvements in executive functioning, particularly inhibitory control, which contribute to a better regulation of food intake. The effects were not uniform across cognitive domains or exercise intensities, and mediation by cognition was not seen for working memory or cognitive flexibility. The thesis integrates these findings, discusses implications, and outlines directions for future research and potential applications in the design of novel interventions targeting both, cognitive control and eating behaviour.

Click here for the live stream.