Decreased ultra-processed food consumption as a mediator for lowering cardiovascular risk after a lifestyle program...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Obesity and Cardiovascular Health
• Nutritional Science and Public Health
• Lifestyle Intervention Research

Background:

• Pediatric abdominal obesity is linked to poor cardiovascular health.
• Ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption is high in children and associated with adverse health outcomes.
• Interventions targeting weight loss and dietary habits are crucial for pediatric health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of a weight loss program on cardiovascular health and UPF consumption in children with abdominal obesity.
• To investigate the relationship between changes in UPF intake and cardiovascular health markers post-intervention.
• To determine if reduced UPF consumption mediates the effect of lifestyle interventions on cardiovascular health.

Main Methods:

• 107 children (7-16 years) with abdominal obesity were randomized to a 8-week Mediterranean diet intervention or usual care.
• Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) were categorized using the NOVA system.
• Cardiovascular health was assessed using Life's Essential 8 (LE8) scores.

Main Results:

• The intervention group showed a significant increase in LE8 scores (5.94 points, p < 0.001) compared to the usual care group.
• Both groups reduced UPF consumption, with a greater reduction in the intervention group (-0.59 portions/day, p=0.032).
• Reduced UPF consumption was negatively associated with LE8 score changes (p=0.024), and mediated the program's effect on LE8.

Conclusions:

• A weight loss program effectively improved cardiovascular health in children with abdominal obesity.
• The intervention led to significant reductions in ultra-processed food consumption.
• Decreased UPF intake plays a mediating role in improving cardiovascular health outcomes in this pediatric population.