How Obesity Affects Math Grades: Sleep Apnea?

June 21, 2012

There have been hundreds of studies linking obesity to anything from depression to cancer. Here’s another not-too-surprising study which revealed that children who are obese tend to have lower math scores. The researchers’ explanations seemed to sidestep the possibility that being overweight can directly cause lower scores on math tests. They cite social and emotional factors being obese which could increase stress on the brain, which can lead to cognitive decline. What they failed to mention is the pink elephant in the room: Obese kids are much more likely to have untreated obstructive sleep apnea, which can lead to behavioral problems, mood disturbances, as well as poor performance on tests. I would think lack of oxygen on the brain is a major source of stress. 

Written by Steven Park · Filed Under Blog 
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2 Responses to “How Obesity Affects Math Grades: Sleep Apnea?”

  1. S.A. on June 22nd, 2012 2:45 pm

    Maybe Dr. Katz should wander down the hall to the Yale Sleep Medicine for some good answers. I’m sure Dr. Meir Kryger would be more than happy to connect some dots.

  2. Dr. Deb on July 5th, 2012 1:37 pm

    here’s another perhaps related study:

    http://www.familypracticenews.com/single-view/obesity-in-pregnancy-linked-to-offspring-s-language-scores/9d4600065c2262e5005cca50e79b83c0.html

    obesity in the second trimester of pregnancy linked to lower language scores in offspring.

    this is likely also linked to your prior post about how obese women are more likely to have autistic children.

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