title: [Obesity in pediatrics: statistical analysis of school performance of obese children].
abstract: We examined the school performance of 936 normal children (431 males, 434 females) and 71 obese children (39 males, 32 females) aged between 8 and 13 years (mean 11 years and 6 months +/- 1 year) attending 2 primary school in a district of our town characterized by a good socio-cultural level. In total the subjects studied were 1007. Results showed that: 1) females had a school performance significantly higher than males (p < 0.005); 2) obese patients (both males and females) had a school performance significantly higher than normal children (p < 0.001). This observation may be explained by the consideration that good school attendance implies: a) stress inducing a compensatory mechanism of hyperalimentation; b) lower physical activity. Another interpretation may also be suggested: children already obese attend the school more diligently in order to be better accepted and to counterbalance their negative self-image.
authors.affiliation: Divisione di Pediatria dell'Ospedale Civile Maggiore, Cattedra di Pediatria dell'Università di Verona, Italia.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Zoppi
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Luciano
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vinco
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Residori
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D004521:Educational Measurement; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000523:psychology; D005082:Physical Exertion; D012649:Self Concept; D012737:Sex Factors
vernacular_title: L'obesità in Pediatria: analisi statistica del rendimento scolastico dei bambini obesi.