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Physical Activity as a Key Factor in Elevated BMI Among Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder: A

Pablo Lizoain1, Diana Rodriguez-Romero1, Carmen Gándara1,2

  • 1Neurodevelopment and Learning Group, Education and Psychology Faculty, University of Navarra, 31009 Pamplona, Spain.

Children (Basel, Switzerland)
|September 27, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) have a higher risk of obesity, linked to reduced physical activity, not diet. Early intervention is crucial for promoting healthy lifestyles in these children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) affects 5% of children globally, impacting motor skills and increasing obesity risk.
  • Understanding DCD's behavioral and physiological profiles is vital for early intervention strategies.
  • This study investigated physical activity, diet, and obesity in children with DCD versus typically developing peers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare physical activity levels, dietary habits, and obesity indicators between children with DCD and typically developing (TD) children.
  • To identify factors contributing to obesity risk in children with DCD.
  • To inform early identification and intervention programs for DCD.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study of 243 children (aged 6.65-11.65) in Spain.
  • Exclusion of children with other conditions affecting motor development (DSM-5 Criterion D).
  • Assessment using FUNMOVES, MABC-2, PAQ-C, Krece Plus, and bioimpedance analysis; regression analyses adjusted for age and sex.

Main Results:

  • Children with probable DCD (pDCD) showed significantly higher BMI and body fat percentage compared to TD peers.
  • No statistically significant differences in physical activity or dietary quality were found between groups.
  • Similar trends were observed when using MABC-2, though not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

  • Children with DCD face an elevated risk of overweight and obesity.
  • Lower physical activity appears to be the primary driver of obesity risk in DCD, rather than dietary factors.
  • Targeted interventions are essential for promoting healthier lifestyles and mitigating obesity risk in children with DCD.

Keywords:
Body Mass Index (BMI)Development Coordination Disorder (DCD)dietmotor impairmentobesityoverweightphysical activity

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