Overweight children may face lower intelligence levels and an increased risk of depression, according to a controversial study that has sparked discussions among health experts. The research, conducted in the US and involving over 5,000 children aged nine to 11, revealed that those with a higher body mass index (BMI) tended to perform less well in cognitive tests and exhibit more signs of depression.
The study did not definitively establish whether poor dietary habits led to impaired brain development or if an underdeveloped brain led to overeating. However, it shed light on the potential impact of unhealthy diets and sedentary lifestyles on children’s overall well-being and cognitive abilities.
Past studies have hinted at a link between BMI and changes in the brain’s prefrontal cortex development. Deficiencies in working memory, as suggested by the researchers, could influence children’s dietary choices.
Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, analyzed data from a mix of 2,500 girls and 2,700 boys over a two-year period from 2016 to 2018. They observed that children who scored lower on cognitive tasks had higher BMIs on average. Additionally, children classified as overweight or obese, with a BMI above the 85th percentile, were almost twice as likely to experience more problems compared to those with normal weight.
Understanding Body Mass Index (BMI)
Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on weight in relation to height. The standard formula for calculating BMI involves dividing weight in pounds by height in inches squared, then multiplying by 703. A BMI below 18.5 is considered underweight, while 18.5 to 24.9 falls within the healthy range, 25 to 29.9 indicates overweight, and 30 or higher signifies obesity.
In their publication in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, the researchers emphasized the significance of cognitive and mental health in relation to weight gain. They urged healthcare providers to closely monitor overweight or obese children for signs of increased depression, suggesting that early intervention could be crucial in addressing these issues.
Further investigations are needed to delve into the underlying reasons why some children struggle to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle despite the known risks. Experts have cautioned that dietary changes and reduced physical activity in children have created challenges that impede optimal development.
