Obese kids fare worse at maths-study

Children who are obese are likely to fare worse at mathematics, according to new research.

The performance results from maths tests, emotional well-being and interpersonal skills of children were studied by US researchers.

Over 6,000 children over five years took part in the study. Results found that there is an association between maths test results and weight.

Children of normal weight over the five years had consistently better results than those who were obese. For children who became obese over the study, it was found that there is a difference between gender and math performance.

There was no change in performance for boys, whereas girls found that their performance was lower for a temporary period.

Poor maths performance was linked to the effect obesity had on the children's social skills and emotions. Children who are persistently obese had more feelings of sadness, loneliness and were more anxious than those children who were never obese.

"The findings illustrate the complex relationships among children's weight, social and emotional well-being, academics and time," said lead researcher and associate professor Sara Gable, of the MU Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, Missouri.

The study is published in the journal Child Development.

[Posted: Thu 14/06/2012]