School performance and weight status among 3rd and 4th grade students in Texas

Evidence suggests that overweight may be associated with negative academic outcomes including greater rates of absenteeism, more frequent placement in special education or remedial classes, lower GPA, lower level of education as an adult, and lower IQ scores. This study examines the association between weight status and reading and math averages among 1,018 3rd and 4th graders from eight elementary schools in Texas (Mean age = 9.26 years; 68% Hispanic, 5% black, 27% white/other). Students were classified as normal weight (50.4%) if they had a BMI < 85th percentile based on CDC growth charts. Students with a BMI ≥ 85th percentile (49.6%) were categorized as at-risk of overweight or overweight. Student performance was assessed through teacher-reported mean grades in reading and math. Analyses of covariance (2X8) were conducted to determine associations between grades and overweight status. Mean reading and math grades by BMI category were similar within each school, but not between schools. At-risk for overweight and overweight students displayed higher mean reading and math grades than normal weight students before adjusting for potential covariates. After adjusting, school was significantly associated with mean math and reading grades. No statistically significant difference was found for BMI category. These findings suggest that characteristics of the school and its surrounding environment are related to 3rd and 4th graders' mean reading and math grades. Weight status may not be associated with classroom grades, probably because such a large percentage of children were classified as at risk of overweight or overweight.