A small-scale study conducted by Cambridge researchers has shown a link between overeating and poorer episodic memory. Researchers do not try to show that overweight people are more forgetful, but want to suggest that incomplete or unformed memories of earlier meals may lead to overeating.

The theory is based on previous studies that show obesity has a negative effect on the hippocampus, involved in memory and learning and frontal lobe, which is involved in decision making, problem solving and emotions.

Dr. Lucy Cheke from the University of Cambridge said that there could be a possibility that being overweight, makes it harder to keep a track of what and how much one has eaten, leading to overeating in certain cases.

“The possibility that there may be episodic memory deficits in overweight individuals is of concern, especially given the growing evidence that episodic memory may have a considerable influence on feeding behavior and appetite regulation”, affirmed Cheke.

In the study, researchers recruited 50 participants aged between 18 and 35 with BMI between 18 and 51 for test of episode memory. Those having BMI of 26 value were considered lean and while those with a BMI above 25 were considered overweight or obese.

The participants were given a computerized treasure hunt and memory tests were carried out following two days in which they were asked to remember which items they have hidden, where and when. The researchers found that participants with higher BMI did not fare well on the tasks.

Though factors like age, education and gender did not bring much difference, they may play a small role when considered with BMI. Cheke said that they are now realizing that episodic memory is also important. How better we remember a recent meal can bring a great difference to how hungry one is and control on the next meal.