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Neurophysiological and executive function differences among underweight, overweight, and normal-weight children and

Yi-Chun Lin1, Yu-Tzu Chang2,3, Mei-Cheng Hoi4

  • 1Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.

Pediatric Research
|December 3, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Children with underweight or overweight status show distinct brain activity patterns, indicating early neurodevelopmental risks. These subtle EEG changes suggest potential cognitive vulnerabilities not apparent through behavior alone.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Pediatric Health

Background:

  • Abnormal body weight status (underweight/overweight) is linked to developmental risks.
  • The impact on neurophysiological and executive functions in children is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate neurophysiological and executive function differences in underweight (UW), overweight (OW), and normal-weight (NW) children and adolescents (8-16 years).

Main Methods:

  • 73 participants underwent executive function tests (working memory, decision-making, attention).
  • Electroencephalography (EEG) measured brain activity during resting state, task reactivity, and post-task recovery.

Main Results:

  • Underweight children performed worse on working memory (Digit Span).
  • Overweight individuals showed elevated theta activity post-task, suggesting neural fatigue.
  • Both underweight and overweight groups exhibited atypical gamma activity.

Conclusions:

  • Abnormal weight status is associated with distinct EEG reactivity patterns and subtle cognitive vulnerabilities.
  • Early neurodevelopmental screening is crucial for pediatric populations with weight concerns.
  • Interventions should address both physical and neurodevelopmental health in childhood weight management.
Abstract

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