Overall , we found data that support a negative relationship between obesity and various aspects of neurocognitive functioning , such as executive functioning , attention , visuo-spatial performance , and motor skill .
The existing literature is mixed on the effects among obesity , general cognitive functioning , language , learning , memory , and academic achievement .
Executive dysfunction is associated with obesity-related behaviors , such as increased intake , disinhibited eating , and less physical activity .
Physical activity is positively linked with motor skill .
Childhood obesity rates have risen dramatically over the past few decades .
Although obesity has been linked to poorer neurocognitive functioning in adults , much less is known about this relationship in children and adolescents .
Therefore , we conducted a systematic review to examine the relationship between obesity and obesity-related behaviors with neurocognitive functioning in youth .
Childhood overweight and elementary school outcomes
Objective : To examine the link between childhood overweight status and elementary school outcomes . Design : Prospect i ve study design : multivariate regression models examining the association between changes in overweight status and school outcomes between kindergarten entry and end of third grade , after controlling for various child , family and school characteristics . Subjects : Nationally representative sample of US children who entered kindergarten in 1998 , with longitudinal data on body mass index ( BMI ) and school outcomes at kindergarten entry and end of third grade . Measurements : Wide range of elementary school outcomes collected in each wave including academic achievement ( math and reading st and ardized test scores ) ; teacher reported internalizing and externalizing behavior problems ( BP ) , social skills ( self-control , interpersonal skills ) and approaches to learning ; school absences ; and grade repetition . Measurements of height and weight in each wave were used to compute BMI and indicators of overweight status based on CDC growth charts . A rich set of control variables capturing child , family , and school characteristics . Results : Moving from not-overweight to overweight between kindergarten entry and end of third grade was significantly associated ( P<0.05 ) with reductions in test scores , and teacher ratings of social-behavioral outcomes and approaches to learning among girls . However , this link was mostly absent among boys , with two exceptions – boys who became overweight had significantly fewer externalizing BPs ( P<0.05 ) , but more absences from school compared to boys who remained normal weight . Being always-overweight was associated with more internalizing BP among girls but fewer externalizing BPs among boys . Conclusion : Change in overweight status during the first 4 years in school is a significant risk factor for adverse school outcomes among girls but not boys . Girls who become overweight during the early school years and those who start school being overweight and remain that way may need to be monitored carefully
Overall , we found data that support a negative relationship between obesity and various aspects of neurocognitive functioning , such as executive functioning , attention , visuo-spatial performance , and motor skill .
The existing literature is mixed on the effects among obesity , general cognitive functioning , language , learning , memory , and academic achievement .
Executive dysfunction is associated with obesity-related behaviors , such as increased intake , disinhibited eating , and less physical activity .
Physical activity is positively linked with motor skill .
Childhood obesity rates have risen dramatically over the past few decades .
Although obesity has been linked to poorer neurocognitive functioning in adults , much less is known about this relationship in children and adolescents .
Therefore , we conducted a systematic review to examine the relationship between obesity and obesity-related behaviors with neurocognitive functioning in youth .