Multiple beneficial effects of 1-year nutritional–behavioral intervention on anthropometric and metabolic parameters in overweight and obese boys

Purpose Childhood obesity is on the rise worldwide increasing the risk for metabolic, cardiovascular and liver diseases in children. Eating habits and lifestyle changes are currently the standard of care for treating pediatric obesity. Our study aimed to determine the impact of a dietary intervention based on the Mediterranean Diet (MD) and the Health Eating Plate, on anthropometric and metabolic parameters in obese and overweight boys. Methods We studied 126 overweight/obese boys with anthropometric measurements, blood biochemistry and nutrient intakes evaluation by means of Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) at baseline, at 6 and 12 months after a nutritional–behavioral intervention. Results We observed a significant reduction in energy, macronutrients and micronutrients intakes. BMI-SDS significantly decreased after 1 year with the proportion of obese boys decreasing by 33% and of overweight boys by 41%, while also all fat mass measures decreased both in obese and overweight individuals. In obese boys, ALT decreased significantly after 1-year nutritional intervention and these changes correlated with BMI-SDS reduction. Insulin-resistance and secretion indexes correlated with fat mass and BMI-SDS. In obese boys, significant changes were observed at 6 months for insulin concentrations, 1/HOMA-IR and QUICKI. With regard to the lipid profile, significant decreases were observed for total and LDL cholesterol in obese boys. Conclusion Metabolic and anthropometric risk factors in overweight and obese boys can be improved by a nutritional–behavioral intervention of 1-year duration.