Overweight and executive functions, psychological and behavioral profile of Spanish adolescents

Abstract

The prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents has risen dramatically increasing a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases and cognitive dysfunctions. This study aimed to analyze differences in the executive function´s development between overweight and normal-weight adolescents. As a secondary objective, we aimed to assess differences in adolescents’ psychological and behavioral profiles between groups. In order to achieve the study’s aim, 105 adolescent students (17.61 ± 7.43 years) completed an online questionnaire that analyzed variables regarding their executive functions’ processes, their psychological and physical health as well as lifestyle habits. Results showed that executive functions development is associated with adolescent weight. A higher range of weight presents a lower ability to assess abstract reasoning and to shift cognitive strategies. Nevertheless, no differences were found between groups in the capacity to hold information in mind nor the ability to control impulsive responses. Furthermore, groups showed differences in the number of meals and gastritis, but no significant differences have been found in lifestyle variables such as mobile usage, smoking, physical activity, and hours of sleep per day. The results from the present study could be used to implement multidisciplinary programs to develop healthier habits.