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Nutritional counselling and risk factors for obesity: an observational study in toddlers

Raffaele Limauro1, Luigi Cioffi1, Vincenzo Bianco1

  • 1Italian Federation of Pediatricians Study Center, Naples, 80100, Italy.

Italian Journal of Pediatrics
|June 13, 2024
PubMed

Insights

A standardized nutrition approach for toddlers significantly reduced overweight and obesity rates compared to usual care. Paternal obesity was a key risk factor for childhood overweight and obesity.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Nutrition Science
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Nutrition is crucial for preventing childhood obesity.
  • Early identification of risk factors for overweight (OW) and obesity (OB) is essential.
  • Toddlers are a key demographic for early intervention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the effectiveness of a standardized nutritional approach in preventing OW/OB in toddlers.
  • To identify risk factors associated with OW/OB in toddlers under standardized care.
  • To compare OW/OB prevalence between standardized care and usual care.

Main Methods:

  • Observational study of 629 toddlers (24-36 months) receiving standardized nutritional advice.
  • Nutritional advice emphasized protein and sugar content, reinforced with educational materials.
  • Comparison group of 742 toddlers receiving usual care.
  • Assessment of risk factors including parental BMI, birth weight, and feeding history.

Main Results:

  • Standardized nutritional counseling resulted in a lower prevalence of OW/OB (28.1%) compared to usual care (36.9%).
  • Paternal OW/OB was significantly associated with OW/OB in toddlers (OR 2.035) in adjusted models.
  • Exclusive breastfeeding did not show a protective effect against OW/OB in this cohort.

Conclusions:

  • A standardized nutrition counseling program focusing on limiting protein and simple sugars can lower OW/OB rates in toddlers.
  • Paternal BMI is a significant predictor of offspring adiposity and should be considered in health promotion.
  • Targeted nutritional interventions are effective in managing early childhood weight.
Abstract

Keywords:
AntibioticsBirth weightCaesarean deliveryEducational levelHousehold smokingObesityOverweightParentsPreventionToddlers

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