Neuropsychological assessment as a predictor of weight loss in obese adolescents

Abstract

This study highlights the potential to identify those who are obese by using an easy-to-measure psychometric test. Furthermore, it is the first study to report a reduction in impulsivity and an improvement in well-being as part of a government-approved residential camp for obese adolescents. The potential mechanisms for change in impulsivity with weight are discussed.

The relationship between perfectionism and discounting measures

“…The current literature examining the link between impulsivity and eating disorders has focused largely on BED and obesity (e.g., Davis et al, 2010;Kulendran et al, 2014;Manasse et al, 2015;Weller et al, 2008, etc.). For example, one study examined being at risk for eating disorders and impulsivity.…”

“…In a recent study of women, those at risk for an eating disorder were more depressed and more impulsive on a delay discounting task than those not at risk for an eating disorder (Scherr, Ferraro, & Weatherly, 2010). Other researchers have also found that having or being at risk for eating disorders and obesity are both related to poor impulse control (Kulendran et al, 2014;Manasse et al, 2015;Scherr et al, 2010;Waxman, 2009). However, relationships between obesity and delay discounting are more consistent in females relative to males (Weller, Cook, Avsar, & Cox, 2008).…”

Effect of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism on affective temperament, depression and body mass index in obesity

“…Many studies show connection between obesity and mood disorders. Obese patients present elevated impulsivity and loss of impulse control (Kulendran et al, 2014). One study that consisted of 571 patients with major depressive disorders showed that obese (BMI 430) individuals more frequently belonged to the bipolar group and had lower level of education compared to non-obese (BMI o30) subjects (Vannucchi et al, 2014).…”

Cardiac autonomic regulation as a predictor for childhood obesity intervention success

“…The stop signal task procedure was adapted from the method described by Logan et al (9,29) and involved participants sitting, facing the tablet screen, wearing headphones, with their index fingers resting on the two buttons of the controller. Arrows that pointed either left or right appeared on the screen and participants were instructed to press the corresponding button as quickly as possible, unless they heard a noise, in which case they were instructed to refrain from pressing any button.…”

“…Furthermore, a positive association between childhood obesity and impulsivity has been demonstrated (7,9,10), and more impulsive participants have been found to lose less weight in obesity interventions (7,11).…”