Effects of an obesity intervention program on cognitive function in children: A randomized controlled trial

T. Huang, K. T. Larsen, Jens Richardt Møllegaard Jepsen, N. C. Moller, Anne Kær Gejl, Erik Lykke Mortensen, Lars Bo Andersen

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

Abstract

ObjectiveAdiposity may be associated with poorer cognitive function in children. The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of an obesity intervention on cognitive function in children. MethodsOne hundred and fifteen children were randomly allocated to either the Day Camp Intervention Arm (DCIA) or the Standard Intervention Arm (SIA). Children in the DCIA participated in a 6-week day camp intervention and a subsequent 46-week family-based intervention. The camp intervention mainly consisted of physical exercise and health classes. The SIA was offered one weekly physical exercise session for 6 weeks and one educational meeting. Anthropometrics and cognitive function were measured at baseline, 6 weeks, and 52 weeks. ResultsAt 6 weeks, the improvement in visuospatial construction skills was larger in the DCIA than the SIA (standardized mean difference, 0.47, 95% CI, 0.08 to 0.86, P=0.02). At 52 weeks, the improvements in emotional control (standardized mean difference, -0.42, 95% CI, -0.68 to -0.16, P=0.002) and monitoring (standardized mean difference, -0.32, 95% CI, -0.63 to -0.02, P=0.04) were larger in the DCIA than the SIA. No group differences were observed in changes in other cognitive outcomes. ConclusionsThe obesity intervention may benefit emotional control, monitoring, and visuospatial construction skills in children.
Original languageEnglish
JournalObesity
Volume23
Issue number10
Pages (from-to)2101-2108
ISSN1930-7381
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2015

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