RESULTS:

• Children with higher BMI demonstrated lower performance on tasks requiring more cognitive control and restraint, but there was no association between BMI and performance with tasks requiring less cognitive control, so the relationship between weight status and cognition may vary.
• Higher BMI was associated with lower academic achievement scores, even after controlling for IQ.

METHODS:

• In this study, 126 children ages 7-9 completed tasks related to cognitive control and attention and a test of reading, spelling, and arithmetic. Weight status and body composition was measured through BMI and fat mass.

Kamijo K, Khan N, Pontifex M, et al. The relation of adiposity to cognitive control and scholastic achievement in preadolescent children. Obesity. 2012;20(12):2406-2411. doi:10.1038/oby.2012.112.