EASO and EFAD Position Statement on Medical Nutrition Therapy for the Management of Overweight and Obesity in Children and Adolescents

Abstract

Introduction: This position statement on medical nutrition therapy in the management of overweight or obesity in children and adolescents was prepared by an expert committee convened by the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) and developed in collaboration with the European Federation of the Associations of Dietitians (EFAD).

Methods: It is based on the best evidence available from systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials on child and adolescent overweight and obesity treatment and other relevant peer-reviewed literature.

Results: Multicomponent behavioural interventions are generally considered to be the gold standard treatment for children and adolescents living with obesity. The evidence presented in this position statement confirms that dietary interventions can effectively improve adiposity-related outcomes. Dietary strategies should focus on the reduction of total energy intake through promotion of food-based guidelines that target modification of usual eating patterns and behaviours. These should target increasing intakes of nutrient-rich foods with a lower energy density, specifically vegetables and fruits, and a reduction in intakes of energy-dense nutrient-poor foods and beverages. In addition, higher intensity, longer duration treatments, delivered by interventionists with specialized dietetic-related skills and co-designed with families, are associated with greater treatment effects.

Discussion: Such interventions should be resourced adequately so that they can be implemented in a range of settings and in different formats, including digital or online delivery, to enhance accessibility.

Keywords: Guidelines; Medical nutrition therapy; Obesity; Weight loss.