Effects of total fat intake on bodyweight in children

Abstract

We were unable to reach firm conclusions. Limited evidence from three trials that randomised children to a lower total fat intake (30% or less TE) versus usual or modified fat intake, but with no intention to reduce weight, showed small reductions in body mass index, total- and LDL-cholesterol at some time points with lower fat intake compared to controls, and no consistent differences in effects on weight, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol or height. Associations in cohort studies that related total fat intake to later measures of body fatness in children were inconsistent and the quality of this evidence was mostly very low. Twenty-three out of 24 included studies were conducted in high-income countries, and may not be applicable in low- and middle-income settings. High-quality, longer-term studies are needed, that include low- and middle-income settings and look at both possible benefits and risks.

Overview of Evidence Concerning School‐Based Interventions for Improving the Health of School‐Aged Children and Adolescents

“…De‐Regil et al investigated fortifying foods with iron‐containing micronutrient powders (MNPs) in low‐ and middle‐income countries 32 . Three reviews provided data on nutrition‐education interventions for reducing fat intake and increasing fruit and vegetable consumption 4,33,34 . Hodder et al investigated a child‐feeding intervention (eg, repeated exposure) and preschool policy changes, as well as nutrition‐education interventions 34 .…”

“…Kristjansson et al focused on school‐feeding interventions for disadvantaged children, and reported outcomes regarding weight and height gain 46 . Eight reviews reported data concerning body mass index (BMI) reduction and physical activity 3,4,10,11,31,33,47,48 . Naude et al examined nutrition‐education interventions (reduction of fat intake), 33 Dobbins et al examined programs promoting physical activity, 3 and Waters et al investigated dietary education and physical‐activity interventions for preventing obesity in children 48 .…”

Effectiveness of healthy eating interventions among children: A quantitative systematic review

“…Despite the existing research evidence, published reviews that we identified only examined the effectiveness of health‐related interventions among obese children and adolescents (Martin et al., 2018), or they focused on healthy eating that includes only fruit and vegetable intake (Thomas et al., 2004), and measured varied outcomes measures from bodyweight in children (Naude et al., 2018), to physical activity, diet, sedentary behaviour, and sleep patterns among obese children (Bleich et al., 2018; Cliff et al., 2016; Gori et al., 2017; Thomas et al., 2004; Yoong et al., 2016). These identified reviews adopted various study designs (e.g., quasi‐experimental studies, qualitative studies, and quantitative studies) but lacked studies that targeted enhancements of healthy eating habits among normal‐weight children.…”

Dietary calories and lipids synergistically shape adipose tissue cellularity during postnatal growth

“…There is little doubt about the role of inadequate nutrition as a driving force for early-onset obesity and its rising prevalence. However, the contribution of excess calorie intake, dietary fat, and other nutritional factors is currently unclear [11], [12], [13]. In particular, it is not known how components of early nutrition promote stable changes in the adipose tissue cellular composition thereby programming long-term tissue function, fat distribution, and systemic metabolism in adulthood.…”