Prolonged Impact of Initial Dietary Strategies on Pediatric Adiposity and Metabolic Well-Being: A Decade-Long Observational Study

Authors:¹ Dr. Abdul Hakim , ² Dr. Olivia Bennett, ³ Dr. Francesco Conti, ⁴ Dr. Isabelle Laurent, ⁵ Dr. Matthias Schneider

Abstract

1. https://orcid.org/0009-0001-0022-4755
2. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1566-6000
3. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2589-3250
4. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9356-3480

This 10-year prospective cohort study evaluated the impact of early nutritional interventions on obesity and metabolic outcomes in children. A total of 1,200 children (mean age: 5.1 ± 0.8 years) were enrolled, with 600 assigned to a comprehensive nutritional intervention program and 600 receiving standard care. Annual assessments included body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, fasting glucose, and insulin levels. At baseline, obesity prevalence was 25% in both groups. By year 10, the intervention group exhibited a significant reduction in obesity prevalence to 15.3% compared to 29.7% in the control group (p < 0.001). Additionally, the incidence of metabolic syndrome was 8.5% in the intervention group versus 14.2% in controls, reflecting a 40.1% relative reduction (p = 0.002). Mean waist circumference in the intervention group decreased by 3.2 cm (a 12% reduction) while the control group experienced a 1.1 cm increase (3% rise). Fasting insulin levels decreased by 18% among intervention participants versus a 5% increase in the control group. These findings suggest that early nutritional interventions can significantly mitigate long-term obesity and metabolic risk, supporting the implementation of targeted pediatric nutrition programs.