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The effect of a multidisciplinary intervention program on hepatic adiposity in overweight-obese children: protocol of
M Medrano1, E Maiz2, S Maldonado-Martín1
1Nutrition, Exercise and Health Research Group, Elikadura, Ariketa Fisikoa eta Osasuna, ELIKOS group, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
Insights
This study investigates a 22-week multidisciplinary program for overweight children, combining lifestyle education, psycho-education, and exercise. The intervention aims to reduce hepatic fat and improve cardiometabolic risk factors in pediatric obesity.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Metabolic Disorders
- Public Health Nutrition
Background:
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is prevalent in overweight/obese children.
- NAFLD is linked to metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance.
- Early intervention is crucial for managing pediatric obesity and related conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of a 22-week multidisciplinary intervention on hepatic fat fraction in overweight/obese children.
- To evaluate the intervention's effects on cardiometabolic risk factors, self-esteem, and well-being.
- To provide evidence for effective management strategies for pediatric NAFLD and obesity.
Main Methods:
- 160 children (9-11 years) were randomized into control (lifestyle/psycho-education) and intervention (lifestyle/psycho-education + exercise) groups.
- Intervention included 3x weekly 90-min exercise sessions (aerobic, strength).
- Primary outcome: change in hepatic fat fraction (MRI); Secondary outcomes: cardiometabolic factors, fitness, psychological measures.
Main Results:
- The study is designed to measure changes in hepatic fat fraction via MRI.
- Secondary outcome analysis will include changes in adiposity, aerobic capacity, blood pressure, and metabolic markers.
- Psychological assessments will evaluate effects on self-esteem and well-being.
Conclusions:
- A multidisciplinary approach integrating lifestyle, psycho-education, and exercise shows promise.
- This intervention may effectively reduce hepatic fat in overweight children.
- Findings will inform strategies for managing pediatric obesity and associated metabolic risks.
Background:
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is the most frequent liver abnormality observed in overweight or obese children and is strongly associated with metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance.
Objectives:
(i) To evaluate the effect of a 22-week multidisciplinary intervention program on hepatic fat fraction in overweight or obese children and (ii) to examine the effect of the intervention on cardiometabolic risk factors, self-esteem and well-being.
Methods:
A total of 160 children, 9-11 years, will be recruited by pediatricians and randomly assigned to control (N = 80) or intervention (N = 80) groups. The control group will receive a family-based lifestyle and psycho-educational program (2 days/month), while the intervention group will attend the same lifestyle education and psycho-educational program plus the exercise program (3 days/week). The duration of training sessions will be 90 min of exercise, including warm-up, moderate to vigorous aerobic activities, and strength exercises. The primary outcome is the change in hepatic fat fraction (magnetic resonance imaging, MRI). Secondary outcomes include cardiometabolic risk factors such as total adiposity (dual Xray absorptiometry), visceral adiposity (MRI), functional peak aerobic capacity (cardiopulmonary exercise testing), blood pressure, muscular fitness, speed–agility, and fasting blood insulin, glucose, C-reactive protein, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma glutamyltransferase, lipid profile and psychological measurements (questionnaires). All the measurements will be evaluated at baseline prior to randomization and after the intervention.
Discussion:
This study will provide insight in the efficacy of a multidisciplinary intervention program including healthy lifestyle education, psycho-education and supervised exercise to reduce hepatic fat and cardiometabolic risk in overweight children.
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