Blenderized watermelon consumption decreases body mass index, body mass index percentile, body fat and HbA1c in children with overweight or obesity

Abstract

Summary Objectives Childhood obesity increases risk factors related to metabolic diseases. Watermelon's bioactive components can help reduce these risk factors. However, no study has investigated the effects of whole watermelon including both the flesh and rind or have assessed the impacts of any form of watermelon on children with overweight or obesity. The goal of this study was to examine the effects of whole‐blenderized watermelon (BWM) consumption on cardiometabolic risk factors. Methods A randomized, cross‐over clinical design was implemented. Boys and girls ages 10–17 years with overweight or obesity (BMI ≥ 85th percentile) consumed one cup of BWM or an isocaloric sugar‐sweetened beverage (control) every day for 8 weeks with a 4‐week washout between trials. Anthropometrics, dietary, biochemical and clinical measures were obtained before and at the end of each trial. Results A total of 17 participants completed the study. Eight weeks of BWM intake significantly decreased BMI (p = 0.032), BMI percentile (BMIP) (p = 0.038), body fat percentage (p = 0.036), and haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (p = 0.012) compared to the sugar‐sweetened beverage. Sugar‐sweetened beverage consumption increased BMIP (p = 0.014) compared to baseline. No significant differences were observed for inflammation, blood glucose, insulin, lipids, liver function enzymes, and satiety hormones. Conclusions The results support that BWM consumption improved some cardiometabolic risk factors including BMI, BMIP, body fat, and HbA1c. Watermelon is a potential alternative to unhealthful snacks for improving anthropometry and some risk factors related to obesity in children.