Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet Is Associated With a Lower Risk of Obesity in Children Under 18 Years: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Maryam Gholami Shahrbabak, Azam Gholami Shahrbabak, Artin Ebrahimi Meymand et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) and obesity risk in children and adolescents. The analysis included 26 studies and found that children adhering to the MedDiet had a significantly lower mean BMI (WMD = -0.42 kg/m², p < 0.001) compared to those who did not adhere.
Key findings
- Children adhering to the MedDiet had a mean BMI 0.42 kg/m² lower than non-adherents.
- Children with overweight had a mean adherence score 0.44 points lower than those with normal weight.
- The analysis included 26 studies with substantial heterogeneity (I² = 65.15% for BMI).
Why it matters
Understanding dietary patterns that influence obesity risk in children is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies. The Mediterranean Diet may offer a beneficial approach to promote healthier weight outcomes in pediatric populations.
What to keep in mind
The evidence was entirely cross-sectional, and substantial heterogeneity was observed across pooled analyses.