Neurocognitive Processes and Pediatric Obesity Interventions Review of Current Literature and Suggested Future Directions

Childhood obesity is a significant problem in the United States, but current childhood obesity prevention approaches have limited efficacy. Self regulation processes organize behavior to achieve a goal and may shape health behaviors and health outcomes. Obesity prevention approaches that focus on the cognitive and behavioral mechanisms that underlie self regulation early in life may therefore lead to better outcomes. This article reviews the development of executive functioning (EF), identifies influences on EF development, discusses aspects of EF relating to increased risk for childhood obesity, and considers how EF-weight associations may change across development. Implications for intervention are discussed.