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A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Lifestyle Modification on Metabolic Control in Overweight
Angela Shin-Yu Lien1,2, Jia-Ling Tsai1,3, Jian-Tao Lee1
1School of Nursing, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Insights
Lifestyle modification programs significantly reduced fasting plasma glucose (FPG) in overweight children. This intervention shows promise for preventing type 2 diabetes mellitus in pediatric populations.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Diseases
Background:
- Childhood obesity is a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus.
- Early intervention is crucial for managing metabolic health in overweight children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of lifestyle modification programs in reducing fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels among overweight children.
- To assess the impact on secondary outcomes such as BMI z-score and insulin levels.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) including 3923 overweight/obese children.
- Studies involved lifestyle modification interventions exceeding six months.
- Data were extracted from six electronic databases and manual searches.
Main Results:
- Lifestyle modification significantly decreased FPG levels by 1.3 mg/dL compared to control groups.
- Significant reductions were observed in BMI z-score (0.16 units) and insulin levels (2.4 mU/L).
- Metaregression indicated a positive association between follow-up duration and FPG, BMI, and insulin levels, suggesting six months as a suitable duration.
Conclusions:
- Lifestyle modification programs appear effective in lowering FPG levels in overweight/obese children.
- These programs may serve as a complementary approach for preventing type 2 diabetes mellitus.
- Further high-quality RCTs with extended follow-up are recommended to confirm long-term effects.
Abstract:
Childhood obesity is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus. We aimed to determine the effects of lifestyle modification programs on fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels in overweight children. We queried six relevant electronic databases and manually searched for studies published before December 2016. Overweight/obese children who underwent a lifestyle modification for more than 6 months were included. A total of 3923 children from eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Compared with the control group, the lifestyle modification group had significantly lower FPG levels by 1.3 mg/dL. The mean differences were significantly decreased for both secondary outcomes; BMI z-score decreased by 0.16 units and insulin levels decreased by 2.4 mU/L. The metaregression showed that the follow-up duration was associated with FPG levels and BMI and insulin levels and half year is a suitable follow-up duration for this population. This study showed that lifestyle modification programs may be effective in reducing the FPG levels of overweight/obese children. Further high-quality RCTs with longer follow-up periods are needed to evaluate the long-term effect of this complementary approach for diabetes mellitus prevention on overweight/obese children.
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