The central hypothesis is that, while both groups will benefit from the exercise session, participants with obesity will exhibit greater gains in cognitive control, relative to healthy weight adults. Additionally, it is anticipated that the benefits of a single bout of exercise for cognitive control will be mediated by changes in exercise-induced myokines. These hypotheses will be tested by accomplishing three aims:

Aim 1: Elucidate the changes in cognitive control following an acute bout of exercise, relative to a sedentary condition, in persons with and without obesity.

Aim 2: To examine the effect of a single bout of exercise, relative to a sedentary condition, on myokines known to have neuroprotective effects i.e., BDNF and CTSB in both healthy weight and individuals with obesity.

Aim 3: To link changes in exercise-induced myokines (i.e., BDNF and CTSB) to changes in cognitive function, following a single bout of exercise.

18 adults with healthy weight (BMI 18.5-25.0kg/m2) and 18 adults with obesity (BMI 30.0kg/m2) will be asked to complete a counter-balanced crossover trial. After initial baseline testing, participants will be asked to complete either an acute exercise bout or sedentary control session in a counter-balanced order. A cognitive testing battery accompanied by an electroencephalogram (EEG) will be administered following each session. Blood samples will be collected prior to, during, and following each throughout each testing condition.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Between ages 18 and 35
• No prior diagnosis of neurological disorders (e.g., autism spectrum disorder)
• No prior diagnosis of metabolic disease (e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular disease)
• No physical disability that would preclude the participant from completing a VO2max test
• Corrected vision (based on the minimal 20/20 standard needed to complete cognitive tasks)
• Not pregnant
• BMI between 18.5 and 25.0 kg/m2, or BMI greater than 30.0 kg/m2
• Readiness for exercise (determined through PAR-Q)

Exclusion Criteria:

• <18 years and >35 years
• Diagnosis of neurological disorders (e.g., autism spectrum disorder)
• Diagnosis of metabolic disease (e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular disease)
• Physical disability that would preclude the participant from completing a VO2max test
• Lack of corrected vision (based on the minimal 20/20 standard needed to complete cognitive tasks)
• Pregnancy
• BMI less than 18.5 kg/m2 or BMI greater than 25.0 but less than 30.0 kg/m2