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Relation of intelligence quotient and body mass index in preschool children: a community-based cross-sectional study

A A Tabriz1, M-R Sohrabi2, S Parsay3

  • 1Department of Health Policy and Management, The Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.

Nutrition & Diabetes
|August 11, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Childhood obesity is linked to lower intelligence quotient (IQ) scores. However, socioeconomic factors significantly influence this relationship, suggesting a complex interplay between weight, cognition, and environment.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Childhood overweight and obesity represent a significant global health challenge.
  • Obesity in children extends beyond physical health, encompassing detrimental psychological effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and cognitive functioning in preschool children.
  • To analyze the influence of socioeconomic factors on the association between BMI and cognitive abilities.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional, community-based study involving 1151 preschool children.
  • Assessment of 13 socioeconomic elements and intelligence quotient (IQ) test results.
  • Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, and penalized linear regression.

Main Results:

  • IQ was significantly associated with household income, place of residence, delivery type, infant feeding, and parental education levels.
  • Higher BMI was negatively correlated with IQ test results (β=-0.594).
  • Living in metropolitan and urban areas and higher paternal education levels showed a positive association with IQ.

Conclusions:

  • A lower IQ score is associated with a higher BMI in preschool children.
  • The relationship between BMI and IQ is substantially mediated by socioeconomic status.
  • Socioeconomic factors play a crucial role in understanding the link between childhood obesity and cognitive development.
Abstract

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