Stronger Association between Nucleus Accumbens Density and Body Mass Index in Low-Income and African American Children.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The nucleus accumbens' (NAc) size, function, and density influence individuals' body mass index (BMI). However, little is known about racial and socioeconomic status (SES) differences in the role of NAc density as a predictor of childhood BMI.

Objectives

We used the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) data to investigate racial and SES differences in the effect of NAc density on childhood BMI.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 9497 children between ages 9 and 10. Mixed-effects regression models were used to analyze the data. The predictor variable was NAc density measured using diffusion MRI (dMRI). The outcome variable was BMI, operationalized as a continuous variable. Covariates included sex, age, ethnicity, family structure, and paren

SUBMITTER: Assari S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7720886 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature