Adiposity, stress, and habitual physical activity predict executive function and memory performance in children and adolescents with obesity

ABSTRACT Obesity during childhood and adolescence may delay cognitive development. This study aims to evaluate predictors that influence executive functions and memory in children and adolescents with obesity. A cross-sectional study was carried out with children and adolescents with obesity (aged 7–18 years) (n=32). Executive functions; episodic memory; semantic memory; body composition; inflammation biomarkers; cardiorespiratory fitness, stress, socioeconomic status, and regular physical exercise were assessed. A linear stepwise regression was performed with the variables with significant correlation. Adiposity (%fat) and BMI z-scores were associated with worse episodic memory. Verbal fluency was associated with visceral fat. At the tower of Hanoi test, planning and cognitive flexibility were associated with visceral fat, whereas the number of movements was associated with the practice of sports and physical exercise. Regular exercise favored the cognitive planning of children and adolescents with obesity. The number of errors was directly associated with the children stress scale score. In conclusion, body composition, memory, and the executive functions of cognitive flexibility and inhibitory control showed an association between each other. Executive functions and memory in children and adolescents might be associated with stress and regular physical exercise practice regardless of intensity.