A Qualitative Systematic Review of Cognitive Function, Metabolic Alterations, Disordered Eating, and Mood Dysregulation in the Context of the Mind–Body Connection

Introduction: The co-occurrence of cognitive dysfunction, metabolic alterations, disordered eating, and mood dysregulation presents a complex interplay that challenges conventional diagnostic and treatment frameworks. While substantial evidence links these domains, their multidirectional interactions remain underexplored, particularly in relation to sociocultural and developmental influences. Understanding how these conditions manifest and influence one another across the lifespan is vital for informing holistic, integrative approaches to health and clinical care. Methods: A qualitative systematic review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for meta-aggregation. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251073979). Eligible studies were observational or mixed-methods in design, involving adolescents (≥ 12 years) or adults with obesity, insulin resistance, depression or mood disorders, cognitive dysfunction, or disordered eating behaviors. Comprehensive searches of PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were performed in June 2025. Two independent reviewers conducted study selection, critical appraisal, and data extraction. Studies with cross-sectional design, qualitative-only narrative reports, or lacking methodological rigor were excluded. Results: Out of 1,580 initially identified records, 123 studies met inclusion criteria after full-text screening and appraisal. These spanned diverse geographic regions and age groups (12–85 years), with moderate to high methodological quality overall. Nineteen studies were excluded due to insufficient methodological rigor. A total of 157 individual findings were extracted and organized into 25 thematic categories, ultimately synthesized into six overarching domains: (1) obesity is consistently linked to executive dysfunction; (2) depression acts as a mediator between metabolic dysfunction and cognitive impairment; (3) cognitive recovery often follows bariatric surgery; (4) insulin resistance negatively affects cognitive performance; (5) disordered eating behaviors are tied to emotional lability and cognitive inflexibility; and (6) sociocultural factors such as gender and socioeconomic status moderate cognitive and emotional experiences. Conclusion: This review highlights the intricate, multidirectional relationships between cognitive, emotional, metabolic, and behavioral health. The findings support the adoption of integrated, interdisciplinary care models that recognize both biological and psychosocial contributors. Although methodological quality was generally strong, heterogeneity in study design and outcome measures poses limitations. Future research should emphasize longitudinal frameworks and culturally sensitive tools to unravel causal pathways and inform personalized, mind–body-centered interventions.