Childhood Obesity Body Mass Index and Gut Microbiome: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Pilot Feasibility Study

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Microbiome Research
• Pediatric Health

Background:

• Prebiotic fiber is explored for obesity reduction, but studies often exclude at-risk youth populations.
• Obesity disproportionately affects African American and Latinx youth, highlighting a need for targeted interventions.
• Individual responses to prebiotic fiber depend on existing gut microbiota, influenced by diet and physical activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and impact of prebiotic fiber supplementation combined with a digital health program on diet and physical activity in at-risk youth.
• To investigate the relationship between prebiotic fiber intake, changes in body composition, and gut microbiota shifts in a pediatric population.

Main Methods:

• A 12-week cluster randomized controlled feasibility trial involving 123 4th and 5th graders from low-income backgrounds.
• Intervention included an online program for diet and physical activity improvement alongside prebiotic fiber administration.
• Body fat, BMI, and fecal microbiota composition were assessed before and after the intervention.

Main Results:

• A decrease in body fat was associated with higher baseline body fat.
• Lower body mass index (BMI) correlated with a reduction in fecal *Tenericutes* and an increase in *Actinobacteria*.
• The intervention demonstrated feasibility in this at-risk youth cohort.

Conclusions:

• Prebiotic fiber shows potential in modulating gut microbiota and influencing body composition in youth.
• Understanding individual responses to prebiotic fiber can inform personalized dietary recommendations for obesity prevention.
• This study provides a foundation for larger trials examining prebiotic fiber interventions in diverse pediatric populations.