Pediatric obesity prevention: From naïve examination of energy imbalance towards strategies that influence the competition for nutrient resources among tissues

Abstract

Current pediatric obesity interventions have collectively yielded relatively unsuccessful results. In this Field of Vision, we present plausible physiologic underpinnings fostering ineffectiveness of conventional strategies grounded in requisite induction of negative energy imbalance. Moreover, such recommendations exacerbate the underlying metabolic dysfunction by further limiting metabolic fuel availability, lowering energy expenditure, and increasing hunger (recapitulating the starvation response amid apparent nutritional adequacy) which precede and promote obesity during growth and development. The qualitative aspects of musculoskeletal system (i.e., endocrine response, muscle functional capacity) are likely to improve metabolic function and increase nutrient delivery and utilization. An intricate and complex system including multiple feedback mechanisms operates to homeostatically regulate energy balance and support optimal body composition trajectories and metabolic health, during growth and development. Thus, ignoring the interdependencies of regulatory growth processes initiates a nuanced understanding of energy regulation and thus misguided attempts at preventive strategies. Importantly, these gains are not dependent upon weight-loss, rather we suggest can be achieved through resistance training. Collectively, optimizing musculoskeletal health via resistance training elicits augmentation of competitive capacity across systems. Further, substantial gains can be achieved in skeletal muscle mass, strength, and functional capacity through resistance training in a relatively short period of time.

Keywords: Childhood obesity; Effective intervention strategies; Energy balance; Metabolic control; Musculoskeletal health; Resistance training; Weight loss.