[Obesity in pediatrics: statistical analysis of school performance of obese children]

We examined the school performance of 936 normal children (431 males, 434 females) and 71 obese children (39 males, 32 females) aged between 8 and 13 years (mean 11 years and 6 months +/- 1 year) attending 2 primary school in a district of our town characterized by a good socio-cultural level. In total the subjects studied were 1007. Results showed that: 1) females had a school performance significantly higher than males (p < 0.005); 2) obese patients (both males and females) had a school performance significantly higher than normal children (p < 0.001). This observation may be explained by the consideration that good school attendance implies: a) stress inducing a compensatory mechanism of hyperalimentation; b) lower physical activity. Another interpretation may also be suggested: children already obese attend the school more diligently in order to be better accepted and to counterbalance their negative self-image.