Mediators of the association between childhood body mass index and educational attainment: Analysis of a UK prospective cohort study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Higher body mass index (BMI) in childhood is associated with lower academic achievement.

Objective

To explore potential pathways linking childhood BMI with educational attainment.

Methods

Using data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children prospective cohort study (N = 6949), we assessed the association between BMI z-scores at 11.7 years and educational attainment at 16 (General Certificate of Secondary Education [GCSE] results). Depressive symptoms, externalizing behaviours, bullying and school enjoyment were considered as potential mediators. Mediators were examined individually and jointly using sequential causal mediation.

Results

Higher BMI z-scores were associated with lower GCSE scores (females β = -3.47 95% CI -5.54, -1.41 mal

SUBMITTER: Bowman K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10909521 | biostudies-literature | 2023 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature