A cross-sectional Study of Metamemory in Obese South Indian Females

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 for everyday activities. Aim: The aim is to assess metamemory in female obese individuals. Materials and Method: A study was conducted among 165 female overweight and obese category at random south Indian population. The participants were asked to complete a self-reported questionnaire on metamemory. The Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire (MMQ) was 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 used). Result: Association between corresponding subscale scores and blood glucose which indicates a weak correlation between blood glucose, satisfaction ( r = -.008) and strategy ( r = -.07). In addition, the MMQ subscales and the total score showed good internal consistency (αs = 0.82-0.85). Conclusion: Obese and overweight female individuals had poor metamemory scores. The study would help the obese individuals to identify any early stage of cognitive impairment and create an awareness to delay or prevent any further metacognitive dysfunction.