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. 2021 May 1;72(5):769-783.
doi: 10.1097/MPG.0000000000003075.

Role of Dietary Factors, Food Habits, and Lifestyle in Childhood Obesity Development: A Position Paper From the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Committee on Nutrition

Elvira Verduci  1   2 , Jiri Bronsky  3 , Nicholas Embleton  4 , Konstantinos Gerasimidis  5 , Flavia Indrio  6 , Jutta Köglmeier  7 , Barbara de Koning  8 , Alexandre Lapillonne  9   10 , Sissel Jennifer Moltu  11 , Lorenzo Norsa  12 , Magnus Domellöf  13 ; ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition
Affiliations

Role of Dietary Factors, Food Habits, and Lifestyle in Childhood Obesity Development: A Position Paper From the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Committee on Nutrition

Elvira Verduci et al. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. .

Abstract

Childhood obesity has high societal and economic impact but current treatment approaches are sub-optimal. In the last decade, important studies have been conducted aiming to identify strategies to prevent obesity during critical periods of life. Updated recommendations for childhood obesity prevention are needed. We present data from systematic reviews and meta- analysis, randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and large observational studies, published from 2011 onwards that consider the possible role of the following factors in obesity development: breast-feeding; macronutrient composition and method of complementary feeding; parenting style; dietary patterns; sugar-sweetened beverage consumption; eating behaviour (eg, skipping breakfast, family dinners. etc); meal frequency and composition (fast foods, snacking), portion size; dietary modulators of gut microbiota (including pre-, pro-, and synbiotics); physical activity and sedentary behaviour. We used the Medline database and the Cochrane Library to search for relevant publications. Important research gaps were also identified. This position paper provides recommendations on dietary factors, food habits, and lifestyle to prevent childhood obesity development, based on the available literature and expert opinion. Clinical research and high-quality trials are urgently needed to resolve numerous areas of uncertainty.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest relevant to this article but many of the authors have received research funding or honorarium for lectures from pharmaceutical or infant food/milk companies. E.V. reports grant/research support from Nutricia Italia Spa, Nestle Health Science—Vitaflo Italy, FoodAR srl Italy, PIAM Pharma, and Integrative Care. J.B. reports personal fees and non-financial support from AbbVie, Nutricia, Biocodex and personal fees from MSD, Nestlé, Ferring, Walmark. N.E. reports receipt of grants/research supports from National Institutes for Health Research (UK), Prolacta Bioscience (US), and Danone Early life Nutrition. He also served as member of Advisory board for Danone Early life Nutrition and received payment/honorarium for lectures from Danone Early life Nutrition, Nestle Nutrition Institute, Baxter, and Fresenius Kabi. K.G. reports receipt of research grants, speakers and consultancy fees, and hospitality from Nestle Health Sciences, Nutricia-Danone, Baxter, Mylan, DrFalk, and Abbott. F.I. reports receipt of payment/honorarium for lectures from Biogaia, Nestle, Danone, Abbot, and consultancy fees from Biogaia. A.L. reports receipt of lecture fees and/or non-financial support from Baxter, Fresenius, Nestle, and Nead Johnson Nutrition. S.J.M. reports receipt of research support from DSM Nutritional Products and payment/honorarium for lectures from Baxter. M.D. reports a research grant from Baxter and speaker fees from Semper, Baxter, Nutricia, and Abbvie. The remaining authors (J.K., Bd.K., and L.N.) report no conflict of interests.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Logic model proposed to examine the complex systems of the child and adolescent obesity development. DEI = Daily Energy Intake; mED = meal's Energy Density; MF = Meal Frequency; PS = Portion Size.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Visual representation of the Mediterranean diet composition.
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
Visual representation of the Nordic diet composition.
FIGURE 4
FIGURE 4
Visual representation of the vegetarian diet composition.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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