A new study has showed that obese children have lower working memory compared to children with normal weight.
The study which was published in JAMA Pediatrics and carried out at the University of Vermont, found that obese children had a thinner prefrontal cortex than normal-weight children.
"Our results show an important connection; that kids with higher BMI tend to have a thinner cerebral cortex, especially in the prefrontal area." Jennifer Laurent, an associate professor at the University of Vermont said.
The data used in this study followed 10,000 teens over a 10-year period. The participants were interviewed, given tests, gave blood samples and underwent brain scans, every 2 years.
The study also analyzed results from 3,190 nine- and 10-year-olds recruited at 21 areas in 2017.
One of the researchers of the study said: "We found widespread thinning of the cerebral cortex. That's significant because we know that executive function, things like memory and the ability to plan, are controlled in that area of the brain."
Previous studies on animals and humans have showed a link between obesity and alteration of cellular structure, which could lead to cardiovascular disease. With prolonged obesity, it is possible that it could affect the brain long-term.
If this were the case, health professionals must work to encourage changes in children’s diets and exercise levels at a young age.
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