Attentional Capacity, Weight Status and Diet Quality in Schoolchildren

Abstract

The scientific literature suggests that following a healthy diet and maintaining an optimal weight status is associated with multiple benefits across dimensions of health. This study examines the relationship between weight status and diet quality with attentional capacity in primary school children. For this purpose, an empirical, quantitative, cross-sectional study was carried out on a sample of 209 Spanish schoolchildren with a mean age of 10.79 years (SD = 1.18). Two questionnaires were used: Perception of Similarities and Differences Test for attentional capacity and the KIDMED questionnaire to assess diet quality. Weight status was assessed by body mass index (kg/m2) adjusted for sex and age. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences according to sex, diet quality or weight status (p > .05, for all), except for the number of errors (p < .05) and inhibitory control (p < .05), in favour of normal-weight schoolchildren. In conclusion, having an optimal weight status may be related to better inhibitory control and fewer attentional errors than their overweight peers. Therefore, health promotion professionals in school settings should consider the positive role that optimal weight status can play in care; and initiate programmes to promote healthy eating among school children.