Association of body weight at different periods and its changes with neuropsychological development in preschool children

GAO Sai; GUO Guangping; ZHANG Xiaoyu; AN Yanting; YANG Yan; HU Hongwei

doi:10.11852/zgetbjzz2025-0477

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Chinese Journal of Child Health Care ›› 2026, Vol. 34 ›› Issue (5) : 544-548. DOI: 10.11852/zgetbjzz2025-0477

Special Column on Nurturing Care & Growth and Development

Association of body weight at different periods and its changes with neuropsychological development in preschool children

GAO Sai¹, GUO Guangping², ZHANG Xiaoyu¹, AN Yanting¹, YANG Yan², HU Hongwei²

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Abstract

Objective To investigate the changes in body weight from birth to preschool age, and to explore their associations with neuropsychological development, so as to provide a basis for comprehensive nutritional management and early intervention. Methods From October 2022 to May 2023, 1 140 children were selected from 10 kindergartens in Yunnan Province using multi-stage stratified sampling. Preschool weight was measured using standardized methods, and birth weight data were obtained from birth certificates and Child Health Manuals. Neuropsychological development was assessed using the 0 - 6 Year Old Children Developmental Behavior Assessment Scale, and development quotients (DQ) were calculated to analyze the relationship between weight trajectories and developmental delay (DQ<80). Results 1) Among 1 140 children, the prevalence of underweight, overweight/obesity, and low birth weight (LBW) was 4.21%, 29.56%, and 5.44%, respectively. 2) The overall detection rate of neuropsychological developmental delay was 2.02%. Specifically, the rate was 6.25% among children with low weight and 1.48% among children with overweight/obesity. LBW children had a significantly higher rate of neuropsychological developmental delay (6.46%) compared to normal birth weight children (1.76%) (P<0.05). 3) There were statistically significant differences in the detection rates of developmental delay in the social behavior domain among preschool children with different weights (χ²=22.53, P<0.05) and different weight changes (P<0.05). The detection rate of developmental delay in this domain was significantly higher in underweight children (16.67%) than in normal-weight children (5.03%) (P<0.05). 4) Logistic regression revealed that children transitioning from normal/low birth weight into underweight in preschool age had a higher risk of social behavior delay (OR=3.09,95%CI:1.31 - 7.31),whereas patterns developing toward overweight/obesity were associated with a lower risk of delay in the social behavior domain (OR=0.33,95%CI:0.14 - 0.79) (P<0.05). Conclusions Weight status and its changes from birth to preschool age may influence neuropsychological development. It is critical to establish a multidimensional dynamic monitoring system and implement stepwise intervention strategies for children with abnormal weight changes, so as to further explore the potential mechanisms.

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preschool children / weight at different periods / weight changes / neuropsychological development

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GAO Sai, GUO Guangping, ZHANG Xiaoyu, AN Yanting, YANG Yan, HU Hongwei. Association of body weight at different periods and its changes with neuropsychological development in preschool children[J]. Chinese Journal of Child Health Care. 2026, 34(5): 544-548 https://doi.org/10.11852/zgetbjzz2025-0477

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