Mediterranean-style diet reduces metabolic syndrome components in obese children and adolescents with obesity

Abstract

BackgroundThe beneficial effects of the Mediterranean diet have been amply proven in adults with cardiovascular risk factors. The effects of this diet have not been extensively assessed in pediatric populations with obesity, insulin resistance (IR) and metabolic syndrome (MetS). The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of the Mediterranean style diet (MSD) to decrease cardiovascular risk factors in children and adolescents with obesity.MethodsParticipants were randomly assigned to a MSD rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, fiber, flavonoids and antioxidants (60% of energy from carbohydrate, 25% from fat, and 15% from protein, (n = 24); or a standard diet (55% of carbohydrate, 30% from fat and 15% from protein, (n = 25), the caloric ingest was individualized. At baseline and 16-week of intervention, the glucose, triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), HDL-C, LDL-C were measured as well as the body composition and anthropometric data. The diet compliance was determined by the 24-hour recalls.Paired Student’s t and Macnemar’s test were used to compare effects in biochemical, body composition, anthropometric, and dietary variables.ResultsThe MSD group had a significantly decrease in BMI, lean mass, fat mass, glucose, TC, TG, HDL-C and LDL-C. (p < 0.05); the diet compliance increased consumption of omega 9 fatty acids, zinc, vitamin E, selenium, and decreased consumption of saturated fatty acids (p < 0.05). The standard diet group decrease in glucose levels and frequency of glucose >100 mg/dL (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe MSD improves the BMI, glucose and lipid profile in children and adolescents with obesity and any MetS component.

Interventions for the treatment of obesity among children and adolescents in Latin America: a systematic review

“…[17][18][19][20] Table I contains details of each study, including the country where the intervention was conducted, the focus and duration of the intervention, frequency of sessions, effect sizes for primary outcomes, and study designs. The total number of sessions for the entire duration of the intervention ranged, from 4 to 120 with a median of 41 sessions.…”

“…The total number of sessions for the entire duration of the intervention ranged, from 4 to 120 with a median of 41 sessions. Of the four studies, effect size (Cohen's d) was considered small for one intervention, 20 sufficient for two interventions 17,18 and large for one intervention. 19 Figure 1 depicts the effect sizes for two outcomes.…”

“…Apart from those interventions taking place in health clinics and medical offices, one intervention also included a home follow-up component to supplement the main healthcare-based component. 18 Another unique setting was a rehabilitation facility. Most interventions were delivered by one or two health professionals (e.g., nutritionists, registered dietitians or physicians).…”

“…[18][19][20] Study design was rated as greatest for two studies (i.e., randomized controlled trial [RCT]) 17,19 and least for three (i.e., pre-post design). 18,20 Various healthcare settings were used to implement interventions. Apart from those interventions taking place in health clinics and medical offices, one intervention also included a home follow-up component to supplement the main healthcare-based component.…”

“…Every study had significant changes in BMI, three had significant changes in weight, 17,18,20 and one had a significant change in percent body fat.…”