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Role of Motor Competence and Executive Functioning in Weight Loss: A Study in Children with Obesity

Mireille J C M Augustijn1,2, Eva DʼHondt3, Lore Van Acker4

  • 1Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium.

Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics : JDBP
|June 8, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Children with obesity show poorer motor skills and executive functioning (EF). These abilities predict weight loss, highlighting their importance in childhood obesity treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Obesity Research
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Behavioral Medicine

Background:

  • Childhood obesity is a significant public health concern.
  • Motor competence and executive functioning (EF) are crucial for overall development and health.
  • The interplay between obesity, motor skills, and EF in children requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare motor competence and EF in children with obesity versus healthy-weight peers.
  • To assess the predictive value of motor competence and EF for weight loss following a multidisciplinary treatment program.

Main Methods:

  • Thirty-two children with obesity and 32 healthy-weight controls (ages 7-11) were assessed.
  • Motor skills and EF were evaluated at baseline.
  • Anthropometric measurements were taken at baseline and after a 5-month treatment program.

Main Results:

  • Children with obesity exhibited lower motor competence and reduced EF (updating, inhibition, planning) compared to controls.
  • Better general motor competence and balance skills correlated with improved EF.
  • Ball skills, balance, and inhibition/updating predicted 14-17% of weight loss variance.

Conclusions:

  • Motor competence and EF are significantly associated with childhood obesity.
  • These factors are important predictors of weight loss success in treatment programs.
  • Further research is needed to explore the impact of motor and EF interventions on obesity management.
Abstract

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