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One-Year Prospective Association of BMI with Later Cognitive Development in Preschoolers

Carina Hansen1, Latasha Smith2, Brian A Lynch3

  • 1Department of Psychology, Luther College, Decorah, IA 52101, USA.

Brain Sciences
|March 25, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Preschoolers with higher body mass index (BMI) showed poorer cognitive development. Early childhood obesity may negatively impact cognitive potential, highlighting the need for interventions to support brain development.

Area of Science:

  • Child Development
  • Pediatric Health
  • Cognitive Science

Background:

  • Preschool years are critical for cognitive and brain development.
  • Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern with potential long-term effects.
  • Understanding the link between physical health and cognitive function in early childhood is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the prospective relationship between body mass index (BMI) and cognitive development in preschoolers.
  • To identify if early childhood BMI predicts later cognitive performance.
  • To investigate factors influencing cognitive development in Head Start children.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal study of 324 preschoolers from Head Start cohorts (2012-2018).
  • Collected data on body mass index (BMI), cognitive scores (Brigance), sex, and age over two years.
  • Statistical analysis controlled for initial cognitive scores, age, gender, and cohort effects.

Main Results:

  • Higher initial body mass index (BMI) predicted lower cognitive development scores in the second year.
  • Female sex and older age were associated with improved cognitive development scores.
  • Initial BMI was linked to poorer cognitive development in the first year.

Conclusions:

  • Excessive body mass in preschoolers may hinder cognitive potential during a critical developmental period.
  • Early childhood obesity interventions could positively impact cognitive development.
  • Further prospective research is needed to confirm these findings and explore intervention effectiveness.

Keywords:
child developmentobesitypreschool child

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