Does losing weight make you smarter?

mbz0616
mbz0616 Posts: 77 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I've lost 30 pounds in the past year or so, using diet, exercise, and MFP (of course) for motivation. As I got closer to my goal, I noticed that my memory seemed to improve, I felt more alert and aware, and I could learn and perform complex tasks more easily. Has anyone else experienced this? If so, do you think it's a result of the weight loss, the exercise, or something else (maybe my imagination)?

Replies

  • pastryari
    pastryari Posts: 8,646 Member
    My memory is just as crappy as always.
  • PikaKnight
    PikaKnight Posts: 34,971 Member
    Exercise triggers endorphins and adrenaline so these could increase your focus. Getting more active influences your entire body BUT....this does not make you smarter. You may be alert and able to focus better, but exercise doesn't raise your IQ, enable you to suddenly understand things you didn't before, or imbue you with common sense.
  • Warchortle
    Warchortle Posts: 2,197 Member
    My old ADD medication was mostly for focus... the added psychological benefit of succeeding makes it also a mild anti-depressant. Your body may be pumping minerals, blood, oxygen, etc. more efficiently not only to things like your muscles, but your brain as well. Increased focus --> less depression --> more success
  • Lindseyelizabeth87
    Lindseyelizabeth87 Posts: 151 Member
    I think your mind can work much better when you feed it better. Poor diet choices can make you tired, sluggish and unable to concentrate.

    I don't think you could say losing weight makes you smarter, but I think eating better does give your mind the right tools to perform at it's best! :)

    Edit: I googled, lookit: http://www.beliefnet.com/Health/2009/05/Healthy-Foods-to-Feed-Your-Brain.aspx
  • savithny
    savithny Posts: 1,200 Member
    Exercise has been repeatedly shown to improve memory and cognitive function.

    It's not the lost weight. It's probably not the diet. But it might be the regular activity.
  • sexymuffintop
    sexymuffintop Posts: 636
    I think your mind can work much better when you feed it better. Poor diet choices can make you tired, sluggish and unable to concentrate.

    I don't think you could say losing weight makes you smarter, but I think eating better does give your mind the right tools to perform at it's best! :)

    Edit: I googled, lookit: http://www.beliefnet.com/Health/2009/05/Healthy-Foods-to-Feed-Your-Brain.aspx

    I think this lady ^^ says it all. Feed your body decent food, and it works better for you. Less alcohol, less not so great food choices, more exercise all help your body work more efficiently and for you to feel better all round.

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