This article examines cognitive, academic, and brain outcomes of physical activity in overweight or obese youth, with attention to minority youth who experience health disparities. Physically active academic lessons may have greater immediate cognitive and academic benefits among overweight and obese children than normal-weight children. Quasi-experimental studies testing physical activity programs in overweight and obese youth show promise; a few randomized controlled trials including African Americans show efficacy. Thus, making academic lessons physically active may improve inhibition and attentiveness, particularly in overweight youngsters. Regular physical activity may be efficacious for improving neurologic, cognitive, and achievement outcomes in overweight or obese youth.
Key points
- •
One-third of US children are overweight or obese and typically inactive, with poorer cognition and achievement than their peers; minorities have disparities on these factors.
- •
Physically active academic lessons seem to benefit cognition and academic performance in overweight and obese children more than normal-weight children.
- •
A few randomized trials have demonstrated efficacy of regular physical activity for improving cognitive and neurologic outcomes in overweight and obese children, including minorities.
- •
Improved executive function and increased physical activity might be mutually enhancing; more translational research is needed to harness this potential.
- •
These findings warrant promotion of physical activity for children, with emphasis on participation of overweight and obese children and minorities. T2 translation research is needed.
Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel
Full access? Get Clinical Tree
