1. Weight status and academic performance in primary school children
Sara Iazzoni1, Maria Chiara Gallotta1, Marisa Arpesella2, Laura Guidetti1, Carlo Baldari1
1Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, Rome, Italy
2Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
Introduction
Results
Conclusion
Some studies provided empirical bases about the negative relationship between adiposity and academic achievement in children [Kamijo, 2012; Liang, 2013].
Aim of this study was to investigate the relation between weight status and academic performance in primary school children
Even though no linear relationship between weight status and academic performance was observed, underweight children showed significantly higher academic performance than overweigh children. .
Correlation analyses revealed that children’s academic performance was not related to their weight, BMI and percentage of fat mass. When classified according to their weight status (underweight, n=113; normal weight, n=84; overweight, n=29; obese n=4), children revealed a statistical difference (P>0.05) between academic performance of underweight (3.32 ± 0.99) and overweight (2.88 ± 1.12) children [Figure 1].
References
Methods
230 children (8-11 years of age) participated in this study. Ratings of their academic performance (mathematics and language skills) were made by teachers on a 5-point rating scale: 1 (much below average), 2 (below average), 3 (average), 4 (above average), and 5 (much above average) [Henricsson, 2006]. Children’s height and weight were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. With reference to children’s BMI, the cutoff points for overweight, obese, and underweight were those for children and adolescents sourced from Cole et al. [2012]. Moreover, for each child, body fat ratio (percent body fat) was measured by multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (IOI 353).
Cole TJ et al (2012). Extended international (IOTF) body mass index cut-offs for thinness, overweight and obesity. Pediatr Obes 7:
Henricsson L et al. (2006). Children with Behaviour Problems: The Influence of Social Competence and Social Relations on Problem Stability, School Achievement and Peer Acceptance Across the First Six Years of School. Infant and Child Development 15:
Kamijo K et al. (2012). The relation of adiposity to cognitive control and scholastic achievement in preadolescent children. Obesity (Silver Spring) 20:
Liang J et al. (2013). Neurocognitive correlates of obesity and obesity-related behaviors in children and adolescents. Int J Obes (Lond) Aug 5. [Epub ahead of print].
Figure 1. Children’s academic performance according to weight status (mean ± SD)
* P ≤ 0.05 Underweight children vs overweight children
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