Influence of childhood excess weight on cognitive, behavioural and emotional outcomes

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Health
• Neurodevelopmental Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Childhood obesity is a global health concern with significant public health implications.
• Vulnerable pediatric populations require focused attention regarding obesity's impact.
• A bidirectional relationship exists between obesity and neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between excess weight and cognitive development in children.
• To evaluate the influence of excess weight on behavioral development in pediatric populations.
• To explore the relationship between neurodevelopmental aspects and childhood obesity.

Main Methods:

• Study included 130 Spanish children aged 3 to 12 years.
• Cognitive function assessed using Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-V (WISC-V).
• Behavioral assessment conducted with the Behavior Assessment System for Children-3 (BASC-3).
• Participants categorized by Body Mass Index (BMI) into normal weight and overweight/obesity groups.
• Multivariable logistic regression and Spearman's correlation analyses employed.

Main Results:

• Children with overweight/obesity showed significantly lower scores in Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ), Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI), Fluid Reasoning Index (FRI), and Working Memory Index (WMI).
• No significant association found between excess weight and behavioral outcomes after adjusting for confounders.
• Inverse correlations observed between cognitive abilities and behavioral/emotional problems, particularly in the overweight/obesity group.

Conclusions:

• Excess weight in children is potentially associated with diminished cognitive performance.
• Poorer cognitive function may increase vulnerability to neurobehavioral disturbances in children with excess weight.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the complex interplay between childhood obesity and neurodevelopment.