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Bidirectional prediction between weight status and executive function in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of longitudinal studies

This study examined the predictability of child weight status on executive function (EF) and vice versa. We searched PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and EMBASE for longitudinal studies conducted in children and adolescents on October 31, 2021. A pairwise meta‐analysis was performed using a frequentist random‐effects approach. The quality of all included studies was evaluated using Newcastle–Ottawa Scale and GRADE assessments. This study included 18 longitudinal studies (N = 30,101). Overall executive functioning was a significant negative predictor of child weight status (pooled beta coefficient = −0.14; 95% confidence interval [CI] [−0.22 to −0.07]; I2 = 97%). The pooled odds ratio also revealed that high EF children had a significant lower risk for developing overweight/obesity (odds ratio [OR] = 0.72; 95% CI [0.59 to 0.87]; I2 = 72%). Conversely, child weight status was a significant negative predictor of overall executive functioning (pooled beta coefficient = −0.06; 95% CI [−0.12 to −0.01]; I2 = 81%). These results suggest a bidirectional prediction between child weight status and EF. These predictabilities are low but potentially beneficial for implementation in childcare systems.