Volume 3, Number 2 (July - September 2008)

In this study, the authors examined the relationship of 1,128 sixth and seventh grade students’ grades in four subject areas (i.e., math, reading, science, and social studies) and their scores on the Texas Assessment of Knowledge & Skills (TAKS) Reading, Math, and Writing measures for the 2006-2007 school year as a function of their weight status (i.e., Obese versus Non-Obese). Statistically significant differences were found between the percentage of boys and girls who were Obese, as well as among the ethnic categories of Hispanic, African-American, Asian-Pacific Islander, and White and among grade levels. Obese children were found to have statistically significantly lower course grades in math, reading, science, and social studies. Similar results were present for the three TAKS measures. Implications of our findings are discussed, as well as suggestions for further research. ACCESS COMPLETE MANUSCRIPT HERE: http://cnx.org/content/m17414/latest/