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This Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Position Paper reports current evidence on pediatric overweight and obesity prevention interventions and discusses implications for registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs). An overview of current systematic reviews provided evidence-based results from a range of nutrition interventions according to developmental age group (ages 2 to 5, 6 to 12, and 13 to 17 years). Twenty-one current systematic reviews of nutrition interventions demonstrated a beneficial effect of nutrition and physical activity interventions on body mass index measures and no adverse events were identified. RDNs impart nutrition expertise in a wide range of settings to provide comprehensive care for children and adolescents as their nutrition and developmental needs change over time. This Position Paper outlines the current roles of, and proposed directions for, RDNs engaged in pediatric overweight and obesity prevention. Prevention of pediatric overweight and obesity requires comprehensive strategies ranging from policy-level to individual-level interventions in settings that will have the most beneficial impact for children according to their developmental stage. This Position Paper advocates for increased availability of nutrition and food access programs and interventions to reduce risk of pediatric obesity and associated adverse health outcomes both now and for future generations.
Supplementary materials: Figure 1 is available at www.jandonline.orgPediatric overweight and obesity, defined as body mass index (BMI)-for-age at the 85th and 95th percentiles or greater,
is a complex and multifaceted health concern that continues to have a considerable effect on children in the United States. From 2017 to 2018, the rate of pediatric obesity in the United States was 19.3%. Rates were 13.4% among 2- to 5-year-olds, 20.3% among 6- to 11-year-olds, and 21.2% among 12- to 19-year-olds.
Early identification and screening for pediatric overweight and obesity can help lead to early interventions and decrease associated medical comorbidities.
It is the position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that prevention of pediatric overweight and obesity requires multilevel, multicomponent, and culturally appropriate interventions with family involvement to improve and sustain intake of healthy dietary patterns and physical activity in a developmentally appropriate manner throughout childhood and adolescence. Registered dietitian nutritionists are uniquely qualified to advocate for and deliver nutrition counseling in child-based settings; develop and deliver theory-based nutrition education programs; and implement environmental and policy changes to improve access to healthy foods.
Techniques to prevent pediatric overweight and obesity must include strategies that influence the child’s family, school or child-care center, behavior, and greater environment.
In 2013 and 2014, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Academy) published 2 Position Papers to inform and support approaches to address prevention of pediatric overweight and obesity.
These Position Papers have since expired, necessitating re-examination of current questions and controversies, as well as current evidence, on pediatric overweight and obesity prevention.
Position Focus
The objective of this Position Paper was to examine current evidence on interventions to prevent pediatric overweight or obesity and to inform practitioners on topics important to practice. Subtopics discussed include:
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efficacy of nutrition interventions to prevent pediatric overweight and obesity;
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prevention interventions in the home and family setting;
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prevention interventions in the health care setting;
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prevention interventions in the school setting;
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prevention interventions in the community setting;
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electronic media, marketing, and device exposures and interventions;
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considerations for nutrition interventions delivered to specific groups and determinants of health;
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federal food assistance programs;
•
food access programs
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dietary patterns and quality
•
reimbursement for pediatric obesity prevention interventions; and
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implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric obesity prevention.
Position Paper Development Process
Current Academy Position Papers are based on systematic reviews.
A recent scoping review of systematic reviews identified an abundance of current, relevant systematic reviews addressing a wide range of interventions to prevent pediatric overweight and obesity.
Current systems-level evidence on nutrition interventions to prevent and treat cardiometabolic risk in the pediatric population: An evidence analysis center scoping review [published online ahead of print January 22, 2021]. J Acad Nutr Diet.
Therefore, an umbrella review, also termed an overview of reviews, was conducted to address important questions for RDNs working with the pediatric population. This umbrella review aligned with the methods outlined by the Cochrane Collaboration.
Systematic reviews were eligible for inclusion if they searched at least 2 databases, assessed risk of bias of their included primary studies, and were published between January 2017 and February 2021. Certainty of evidence (level of confidence in evidence) was determined using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation method.
This certainty of evidence included both the items considered in a traditional systematic review (ie, number and types of studies included, consistency between studies, and precision), as well as the risk of bias assessment of the systematic review itself, as determined using the AMSTAR 2 tool.
Systematic reviews that assessed certainty of evidence were prioritized over those that did not. For each section, a conclusion statement summarizing the evidence is presented in bold text. Implications for practitioners were written by expert panel members and supported by the 2015 Pediatric Nutrition Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2015 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for registered dietitian nutritionists (competent, proficient, and expert) in pediatric nutrition.
(Figure 1, available at www.jandonline.org), which are consensus standards for competent, proficient, and expert RDNs. The Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for pediatric nutrition are currently being updated. This Position Paper was peer-reviewed externally by Academy members and internally by Academy teams and was approved by the Academy’s Council on Research.
Efficacy of Nutrition Interventions to Prevent Pediatric Overweight and Obesity
Three systematic reviews were analyzed to examine the efficacy of nutrition interventions to prevent pediatric overweight and obesity.
Highly-integrated programs for the prevention of obesity and overweight in children and adolescents: Results from a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Nutrition and physical activity interventions to prevent pediatric overweight or obesity resulted in a slight reduction in BMI z score for participants younger than 18 years.
Interventions were more effective for individuals 12 years and younger, and evidence for interventions targeting adolescents aged 13 through 18 years was highly variable.
Highly-integrated programs for the prevention of obesity and overweight in children and adolescents: Results from a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Evidence certainty was MODERATE for children aged 0 through 5 years and LOW for children aged 6 to 12 years and 13 to 18 years. Most included interventions focused on individual-level interventions rather than on “upstream” determinants, such as infrastructure, environment, or policy, and this trend has not changed over time.
A secondary analysis of the childhood obesity prevention Cochrane Review through a wider determinants of health lens: Implications for research funders, researchers, policymakers and practitioners.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2015 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for registered dietitian nutritionists (competent, proficient, and expert) in pediatric nutrition.
Pediatric nutrition education programs should involve RDNs as experts in providing accurate nutrition advice and input; however, behavioral studies have shown that knowledge, although necessary, is not sufficient to produce robust behavioral changes.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2015 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for registered dietitian nutritionists (competent, proficient, and expert) in pediatric nutrition.
The behavior change technique taxonomy (v1) of 93 hierarchically clustered techniques: Building an international consensus for the reporting of behavior change interventions.
Development and Validation of the Guide for Effective Nutrition Interventions and Education (GENIE): A tool for assessing the quality of proposed nutrition education programs.
RDNs who develop culturally and developmentally appropriate nutrition education programs for obesity prevention are trained in behavioral sciences or work in collaboration with behavioral scientists. For example, RDNs who develop these programs collaborate with experts in physical activity or expand their own training in interventions to increase physical activity and improve built environments that lead to more physical activity for children.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2015 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for registered dietitian nutritionists (competent, proficient, and expert) in pediatric nutrition.
Highly-integrated programs for the prevention of obesity and overweight in children and adolescents: Results from a systematic review and meta-analysis.
The certainty of evidence was higher among preschool children aged 0 through 5 years compared with those in elementary schools (aged 6 through 12 years) or secondary schools (aged 13 through 18 years).
In addition, most interventions tended to focus on individual-level behaviors rather than upstream environmental factors or social determinants of health,
A secondary analysis of the childhood obesity prevention Cochrane Review through a wider determinants of health lens: Implications for research funders, researchers, policymakers and practitioners.
which is antithetical to the premise that obesity is a complex disease. Most of the nutrition education interventions for children aged 0 through 5 years are targeted primarily at the parents rather than the children, as at that age, the parents are the primary gatekeepers for children’s diets and social influences.
For example, older children might use spending money for snacks at retail food outlets or have more choices at the cafeteria. These findings suggest that RDNs examine environmental influences as part of a socioecological approach or upstream social determinants of health, and target these factors through nutrition education interventions.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (Competent, Proficient, and Expert) in Public Health and Community Nutrition.
Importantly, review of the literature found no adverse effects from nutrition education programs, in terms of depression, weight concern, body image, or injury.
RDNs should not refrain from implementing nutrition education programs due to concerns about harm to children, specifically related to the development of disordered eating patterns.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2020 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (Competent, Proficient, and Expert) in Eating Disorders.
Nevertheless, it is important to ensure that nutrition messages reflect the latest scientific evidence and focus on behavioral strategies that encourage development of healthful eating patterns.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2015 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for registered dietitian nutritionists (competent, proficient, and expert) in pediatric nutrition.
Prevention Interventions in the Home and Family Setting
Two systematic reviews were analyzed that examined the effect of interventions to prevent pediatric overweight or obesity in the home and family settings on BMI measures.
Limited evidence suggests no overall effect of home-based nutrition and physical activity interventions in children and adolescents aged 6 through 18 years.
found no differences in outcomes according to whether caregivers were involved in at least 1 aspect of the intervention.
Implication for Practitioners
Early interventions to improve child BMI measures through diet and physical activity modifications in the home setting may be effective in preschool-aged children, but have been shown to have little efficacy in older children.
There is a lack of uniformity in nutrition and physical activity interventions, making comparisons across studies difficult. Greater impacts on BMI in children aged 0 through 5 years were seen when focusing on dietary behaviors and physical activity in combination.
RDNs work with families to help shape food behaviors and preferences early. Utilization of a family approach to obesity prevention can help parents to role model health-promoting nutrition and physical activity behaviors to meet recommended goals.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2015 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for registered dietitian nutritionists (competent, proficient, and expert) in pediatric nutrition.
Parents can involve children in food shopping and meal preparation at a young age and can give children more responsibility and autonomy for cooking as they get older. Participating in cooking classes, especially with virtual opportunities, may help families develop skills to incorporate more dietary variety. RDNs help families implement routines and rules around consistent family meals and removing electronic devices (eg, televisions, phones, and tablets) during mealtimes, both at home and when eating away from home.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2015 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for registered dietitian nutritionists (competent, proficient, and expert) in pediatric nutrition.
It is crucial that RDNs connect with parents or other primary caregivers, perhaps through strategies using technology (eg, digital/eHealth or mobile/mHealth
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2015 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for registered dietitian nutritionists (competent, proficient, and expert) in pediatric nutrition.
Efficacy may wane as children get older and are increasingly influenced by peers and the environment outside of the home and family. These findings demonstrate that interventions in one setting may not be as efficacious, and more comprehensive interventions (community-, environmental-, and policy-level) are needed and especially relevant for school-aged children. RDNs work with interdisciplinary teams to implement more comprehensive interventions that include the home and family setting as one component of the intervention.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2015 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for registered dietitian nutritionists (competent, proficient, and expert) in pediatric nutrition.
Prevention Interventions in the Health Care Setting
Three systematic reviews were analyzed to determine the effect of pediatric nutrition interventions delivered in the health care setting on BMI measures.
There was little to no evidence available reporting the effects of health care obesity prevention interventions on the prevalence of overweight or obesity. Certainty of evidence was LOW.
Implication for Practitioners
RDNs play an integral role in pediatric disease prevention in the primary health care setting, particularly early in life. RDNs impact pediatric obesity in the primary care setting both by working to educate other health care professionals and by connecting directly with clients and families during regularly scheduled appointments.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2015 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for registered dietitian nutritionists (competent, proficient, and expert) in pediatric nutrition.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2015 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for registered dietitian nutritionists (competent, proficient, and expert) in pediatric nutrition.
RDNs should educate other health care professionals about the importance of establishing healthy eating habits, even for pediatric clients who have normal weight status. Providers, including physicians and nurses, should pay close attention to children’s growth curves to ensure age-appropriate growth trajectories, and should have a prescribed system for referring pediatric clients who are at risk of overweight or obesity to an RDN. RDNs engage primary care providers to provide opportunities for families that can improve pediatric obesity prevention, such as nutrition counseling, cooking demonstrations, or healthy snacks available in the office.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2015 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for registered dietitian nutritionists (competent, proficient, and expert) in pediatric nutrition.
Local dietetics associations can engage primary care providers who may not be offering dietetics services to educate them on the benefits of dietetics services and provide resources to connect with RDNs.
In addition to working with parents in the home setting, RDNs work in clinical settings to prevent pediatric overweight and obesity during primary care visits. RDNs use multicomponent parent education interventions to educate on appropriate nutrition and physical activity for their children based on their age and weight.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2015 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for registered dietitian nutritionists (competent, proficient, and expert) in pediatric nutrition.
children and parents were provided education during 10 sessions of 60 minutes over 6 months. Compared with the control group, children in the intervention group had lower risk of obesity and decreased BMI z scores, and parents experienced a reduction in BMI, although education provider was not well-defined. Thus, nutrition and physical activity interventions provided in the primary care setting should be implemented for children who are at risk of overweight or obesity.
Eight systematic reviews were analyzed to determine the effect of nutrition interventions or exposures to prevent pediatric overweight or obesity in school settings. More detail can be found on the Evidence Analysis Library website.
Strategies to improve the implementation of healthy eating, physical activity and obesity prevention policies, practices or programmes within childcare services.
Effectiveness of school-based health promotion interventions prioritized by stakeholders from health and education sectors: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
The impact of the World Health Organization Health Promoting Schools framework approach on diet and physical activity behaviours of adolescents in secondary schools: A systematic review.
Nutrition and physical activity interventions to prevent pediatric obesity resulted in a nonsignificant reduction in BMI measures for children in the child-care or preschool settings.
The impact of the World Health Organization Health Promoting Schools framework approach on diet and physical activity behaviours of adolescents in secondary schools: A systematic review.
Effectiveness of school-based health promotion interventions prioritized by stakeholders from health and education sectors: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior, and School Nutrition Association: Comprehensive nutrition programs and services in schools.
Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior, and School Nutrition Association: Comprehensive nutrition programs and services in schools.
Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior, and School Nutrition Association: Comprehensive nutrition programs and services in schools.
Thus, school obesity prevention interventions often include not only individual-level interventions aimed at the students, but also work at the environmental (eg, provision of healthful food choices) and policy (eg, policies for selling foods as fundraisers) levels, as seen in coordinated school health or Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child approaches.
The role of RDNs in schools and child nutrition programs is essential, and includes the provision of school meals; nutrition initiatives, such as school gardens, nutrition education and promotion; and development and implementation of local school wellness policies, as well as advocating for evidence-based school policies at the national, state, and local levels.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2015 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for registered dietitian nutritionists (competent, proficient, and expert) in pediatric nutrition.
Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior, and School Nutrition Association: Comprehensive nutrition programs and services in schools.
Some of the most significant pediatric obesity prevention policies have been implemented through the Child Nutrition Reauthorization (CNR), the most recent of which is the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010,
which introduced sweeping changes in terms of provision of healthier school meals, healthier meals for early care and education (ECE), and school policies. Unfortunately, some of the provisions of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act were weakened during the past few years,
despite recent findings that the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act implementation has been associated with lower risk of obesity among children in poverty.
CNR, by law, should occur every 5 years, but has still not been renewed as of September 2021. RDNs play a significant role in advocating for strong, science-based recommendations for CNR, and then in implementing these CNR guidelines.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2015 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for registered dietitian nutritionists (competent, proficient, and expert) in pediatric nutrition.
Implementation science research can be useful in examining what strategies can be successful in implementation of CNR provisions, as well as dissemination of evidence-based programs.
although children in child-care settings still have high prevalence of obesity. This presents an opportunity for RDNs to develop and implement innovative programs through ECE settings, such as Head Start, and private child-care facilities using more rigorous study designs. The ECE setting can be challenging due to the diversity of programs, but regardless of setting, a strong parent component is required.
As noted in other reviews, school studies are heterogeneous, and most have been conducted in elementary school settings. Innovative programs for older children and high school students, especially, are needed. Programs for teens should emphasize appropriate developmental approaches, which highlight growing independence and peer influences, as well as addressing environmental and social determinants of health.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2015 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for registered dietitian nutritionists (competent, proficient, and expert) in pediatric nutrition.
In addition, social media or eHealth/mHealth interventions can be relevant in this age group (see Electronic Media Marketing and Device Exposures and Interventions section).
Prevention Interventions in the Community Setting
Two systematic reviews were analyzed to examine the effect of pediatric overweight and obesity prevention interventions in the community setting on BMI measures.
Nutrition and physical activity interventions in the community setting resulted in decreased BMI, but not BMI z score, in children aged 0 through 5 years.
found that a greater quantity of limited-service restaurants and of more types of food outlets was positively associated with BMI and greater odds of obesity 3 years later in adolescents, and the presence of neighborhood supermarkets had a longitudinal association with decreased BMI. However, other systematic reviews found no association between full-service restaurants
The foci of community interventions are more influential for parents with young children because parents are the gatekeepers for diet and physical activity opportunities for preschool-aged children. RDNs implement programs and strategies aimed at preschool-aged children in community settings; these interventions can include addressing food marketing, taxes for sugary beverages, or increased availability of farmer’s markets.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (Competent, Proficient, and Expert) in Public Health and Community Nutrition.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2020 Standards of Professional Performance for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (Competent, Proficient, and Expert) in Sustainable, Resilient, and Healthy Food and Water Systems.
In terms of elementary school–aged children, the studies reviewed showed little effect of community interventions on obesity prevention, likely due to the heterogeneity and lack of specificity of the interventions.
Elementary school–aged children do not regularly engage with most targets of community-based interventions, such as neighborhood food stores, supermarkets, and restaurants; most parents do grocery shopping and select venues for eating away from home. These results present an opportunity for the RDN to develop community-based interventions that target parents but focus specifically on child diet or physical activity (eg, a grocery store campaign aimed at buying healthier foods for their children).
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2015 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for registered dietitian nutritionists (competent, proficient, and expert) in pediatric nutrition.
are examples of potential interventions that need to be evaluated in rigorous controlled trials. Community interventions can reinforce school-based interventions in this age group, so RDNs working in school settings may want to extend programmatic changes into the community environment.
Overall, rigorously designed community-based interventions are difficult to conduct because of the variability in identification of discrete community areas for intervention, risks of contamination, limited intervention strategies that can be implemented within proprietary establishments, and the expense of intervention strategies and outcome measurement for communities rather than individuals. Healthy Eating Research
has supported research on policies, systems, and environments related to healthy eating that has led to a growing base of evidence for community-focused interventions for children, particularly preschool-aged children. RDNs should continue to build on this evidence to design more rigorous trials to evaluate the effectiveness of pediatric obesity prevention efforts in the community setting, as well as to further define appropriate determinants of pediatric obesity in the community for different age groups.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2015 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for registered dietitian nutritionists (competent, proficient, and expert) in pediatric nutrition.
Because the success of pediatric obesity prevention programs and initiatives conducted in the community is associated with robust implementation across multiple settings,
RDNs engaged in school-based, health care, or community programs seek to engage partners in their efforts. Expanding community networks and working with organizations with similar child health objectives is essential to maximizing the impact of these programs.
Electronic Media, Marketing, and Device Exposures and Interventions
Three systematic reviews examined the effect of media exposure on outcomes of interest.
on screen time may result in greater risk of overweight or obesity in children aged 6 through 12 years. Mobile phone interventions reduced BMI in adolescents, but results were not significant.
Results were not significant in any subgroup analysis, including for interventions of health apps only, text messages, or long- or short-term interventions. In pediatric participants aged 5 through 19 years, results from studies examining active video games were mixed, with some evidence demonstrating those in the intervention group had less gain in BMI compared with those in the control group.
Regulations on advertising can help to reduce the portrayal of calorically dense foods. Advertisements of unhealthy food products should have restrictions on the number of times they can be shown during peak times at which children view television, so they are not continuously directed to young children who are currently developing their eating habits. Messages about healthy eating should be increased on children’s television networks to counter the negative effects of highly or ultra-processed food campaigns.
and should aid in research studies investigating the influence of food marketing on pediatric obesity.
The strongest evidence of efficacy to combat social media and marketing exposure is for parents to enforce rules on screen time and limit access to electronic devices.
RDNs and health care professionals working in pediatrics should stress the importance of parents limiting screen time. They should provide recommendations and work with families to create rules and restrictions around electronics, including cell phones, tablets, and computers.
Influencers and media representatives should be cautious of what brands they are promoting to children. Nutrient-dense foods should be at the center of media campaigns directed toward children. Schools and educational materials should limit food marketing on campuses, especially highly processed foods.
Although there is emerging evidence on the use of active video games and eHealth programs, study results are mixed. Age-appropriate physical activity guidelines
Considerations for Nutrition Interventions Delivered to Specific Groups and Determinants of Health
Socioeconomic Status
Three systematic reviews examined the relationship between nutrition interventions and exposures on BMI measures and prevalence of overweight or obesity in pediatric participants with low socioeconomic status (SES).
The effectiveness and promising strategies of obesity prevention and treatment programmes among adolescents from disadvantaged backgrounds: A systematic review.
Nutrition interventions delivered to individuals with lower SES, both on an individual and policy level, may improve BMI z score and risk of obesity in individuals aged 6 through 18 years with low SES.
The effectiveness and promising strategies of obesity prevention and treatment programmes among adolescents from disadvantaged backgrounds: A systematic review.
Systematic review authors described that promising strategies included use of hands-on rather than didactic activities and parental involvement. Evidence certainty was LOW.
In a secondary analysis of the systematic review by Brown and colleagues, Nobles et al
A secondary analysis of the childhood obesity prevention Cochrane Review through a wider determinants of health lens: Implications for research funders, researchers, policymakers and practitioners.
described that most pediatric obesity interventions do not consider wider determinants of health, such as social and community factors, culture, and income inequality, although these are recognized as important determinants of obesity outcomes.
Individuals Identifying as Racial or Ethnic Minorities
In a systematic review targeting adolescents aged 13 through 18 years who identified as racial or ethnic minorities,
there was no effect of obesity prevention interventions on BMI measures, although 1 study demonstrated improvements in risk of overweight or obesity for a multicomponent intervention targeting adolescents who were African American.
The effectiveness and promising strategies of obesity prevention and treatment programmes among adolescents from disadvantaged backgrounds: A systematic review.
reported mixed results for the effect of prevention interventions for children older than 12 years from low SES backgrounds and provided some potential strategies to include in interventions to improve effectiveness, including use of hands-on activities and parental involvement. RDNs working with adolescents from low SES backgrounds include them in the development and delivery of the intervention to increase cultural relevance and buy-in for behavior change.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2015 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for registered dietitian nutritionists (competent, proficient, and expert) in pediatric nutrition.
Thus, more research is needed to determine effective interventions in these populations. SES is one factor to consider and should be included with other social determinants of health to inform interventions for pediatric obesity prevention.
There is little evidence available that focuses on younger children who are racial or ethnic minorities, and data from adolescents show little to no improvement in the prevention of overweight from nutrition and physical activity interventions.
Prevalence of overweight, obesity, and severe obesity among children and adolescents aged 2-19 years: United States, 1963-1965 through 2015-2016. National Center for Health Statistics. Health E-Stats.
RDNs participate in and advocate for evaluation of nutrition interventions within minority population groups and with children from families with low SES to better understand the impacts for prevention in the early years as a means for decreasing risk of future health concerns.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2015 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for registered dietitian nutritionists (competent, proficient, and expert) in pediatric nutrition.
In addition, practitioners and researchers should pay attention to the intersectionality between race and SES when examining the effectiveness of child overweight and obesity prevention programs. RDNs enhance their knowledge and skills to work with clients from a variety of cultural backgrounds, including awareness of cultural norms of weight and body image to develop culturally appropriate assessment tools and educational resources. RDNs make dietary recommendations that include culturally appropriate foods and eating patterns and help families to access healthy foods in their communities.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2015 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for registered dietitian nutritionists (competent, proficient, and expert) in pediatric nutrition.
RDNs also advocate for the inclusion of foods from a variety of cultures within federal food assistance programs like the Child and Adult Care Food Program or the National School Lunch Program. Importantly, increasing the diversity within the field of dietetics can assist in having more RDNs from different backgrounds to help drive some of these changes.
Federal Food Assistance Programs
Two systematic reviews examined the impact of federal food assistance programs on BMI measures.
Limited evidence suggests that a US Department of Agriculture program providing fresh fruits and vegetables outside of the school setting may result in reduced BMI z score and BMI in elementary school–aged children.
However, the effect of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was heterogeneous, with some evidence suggesting increased risk of overweight or obesity with use of SNAP benefits in certain subpopulations, including girls aged 5 through 18 years.
There was no information available on the impact on overweight or obesity prevalence in relation to participation in food assistance programs in any age group. Evidence certainty was VERY LOW.
Implication for Practitioners
RDNs play an integral role in the development of federal food assistance programs, as well as implementation of new policies and programs.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2015 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for registered dietitian nutritionists (competent, proficient, and expert) in pediatric nutrition.
A 2015 study of the US Department of Agriculture’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program demonstrated that exposure to fresh foods outside of school meals improved weight measures for elementary school students.
Federal food assistance programs have been found to address food insecurity; thus, RDNs assess food insecurity along with weight- and diet-related measures to determine appropriate referrals and support to federal food assistance programs.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (Competent, Proficient, and Expert) in Public Health and Community Nutrition.
Increased access to food assistance programs can be facilitated by changing the program requirements to expand reach. RDNs can help to develop healthier food options available through these programs through advocacy at the state or national level.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (Competent, Proficient, and Expert) in Public Health and Community Nutrition.
SNAP Education programs provide evidence-based nutrition education or cooking programs, information on portion sizes, and proper food storage techniques for both parents and children, and RDNs are instrumental in the development, evaluation, and dissemination of these interventions. RDNs are well-educated on the availability and requirements of food assistance programs to help enroll clients and advocate for increased participation and funding.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (Competent, Proficient, and Expert) in Public Health and Community Nutrition.
There were no systematic reviews identified that examined the influence of charitable food systems on BMI measures or prevalence of pediatric overweight or obesity.
Implication for Practitioners
A client’s food access is included as part of any nutrition assessment, and the RDN tailors their recommendations accordingly.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2015 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for registered dietitian nutritionists (competent, proficient, and expert) in pediatric nutrition.
This is particularly important in the pediatric population because children rely on their parents for food. If the child’s dietary recall consists of small amounts of healthy meals and snacks, the RDN investigates whether this is due to lack of nutrition education or lack of access to healthy nutrient-dense foods.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2015 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for registered dietitian nutritionists (competent, proficient, and expert) in pediatric nutrition.
If it is a food access issue, the RDN refers clients or their caregivers to their social services department and provides information on available food assistance programs.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2015 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for registered dietitian nutritionists (competent, proficient, and expert) in pediatric nutrition.
Health centers and hospitals should incorporate food assistance programs into referrals and within the organizations themselves to aid their clients in addressing poor food access with food prescription programs or on-site food pantries so clients can pick up food after appointments.
Foods available through charitable food systems can be of poor nutritional quality, so guidelines for improving healthy food access through food banks and food pantries have been developed
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2015 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for registered dietitian nutritionists (competent, proficient, and expert) in pediatric nutrition.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2020 Standards of Professional Performance for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (Competent, Proficient, and Expert) in Sustainable, Resilient, and Healthy Food and Water Systems.
In addition to increasing accessibility to charitable food programs, public policy makers should create legislation on increasing access to healthy foods for the pediatric population. More research should be conducted on the effect of food access on pediatric obesity outcomes.
Dietary Patterns and Quality
There was little evidence available that examined the effect of dietary quality or patterns on BMI measures or overweight and obesity prevalence in randomized controlled trials. In pediatric individuals 18 years or younger, heterogeneous observational evidence suggests that “Western” or “modern” dietary patterns are associated with higher BMI and higher risk of overweight or obesity compared with dietary patterns including fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy.
In all studies, definitions of dietary patterns varied and results were heterogeneous according to sex and age. Evidence certainty was VERY LOW.
In a systematic review by the US Department of Agriculture to inform the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, authors described that “Limited evidence suggests that dietary patterns consumed by children or adolescents that are lower in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy while being higher in added sugars, refined grains, fried potatoes, and processed meats are associated with higher fat-mass index and BMI later in adolescence. (Grade: Limited).”
Trends in dietary quality of children and adolescents in the United States show modest improvement over time, but more than half of children have poor-quality diets, and scores on diet quality measures decline as children age.
RDNs assess dietary intake by comparing intake with healthy dietary recommendations and patterns that are associated with beneficial health outcomes, including weight status.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2015 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for registered dietitian nutritionists (competent, proficient, and expert) in pediatric nutrition.
Dietary intake is complex and variable; under- or overconsumption of 1 nutrient or food does not account for the high prevalence of pediatric obesity. When examining dietary patterns, there is some limited evidence to show an association between patterns that have higher intake of energy-dense, low nutritional-quality foods and higher BMI in children and adolescents.
This provides insight into foods to decrease and aligns with current dietary recommendations for foods to limit, such as beverages and foods with added sugars, as well as those high in saturated fat and sodium.
Considering public health messages on foods to include in the diet and how to include them, or better education about current nutrition labeling, is as important if not more important for children and families.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2015 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for registered dietitian nutritionists (competent, proficient, and expert) in pediatric nutrition.
Dietary patterns are influenced by multiple factors, such as SES, seasonality, culture, religion, and other factors. In addition, dietary intake is 1 factor associated with child weight status, but there are others that need to be considered, including physical activity and sedentary behaviors. Children’s dietary requirements change across this portion of the lifespan as they align with periods of high need due to growth and development. RDNs help families adopt dietary patterns that include a variety of nourishing foods. As stated previously, parents can involve children in food selection and preparation and can try new foods and recipes to increase dietary variety and quality.
The Healthy Eating Research group of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation released guidelines for researchers and practitioners promoting evidence-based recommendations for how (rather than what) to feed children aged 2 through 8 years for optimal health.
Evidence-Based Recommendations and Best Practices for Promoting Healthy Eating Behaviors in Children 2 to 8 Years Executive Summary. Healthy Eating Research.
The Expert Panel advocated for promoting food acceptance through repeated exposure to foods, as well as strategies like social modeling, using nonfood incentives or rewards, associative conditioning, and sensory exposure. To promote healthy appetites and growth in children, the Expert Panel recommended that parents and caregivers provide structured food environments and support child autonomy for appetite self-regulation. RDNs can assist families in implementing these recommendations to improve the feeding environment. To complement these recommendations, RDNs advocate for policies to make nutrient-dense foods more available in homes, schools, and community settings.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2015 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for registered dietitian nutritionists (competent, proficient, and expert) in pediatric nutrition.
More high-quality prospective studies are needed to elucidate the association between dietary patterns in child and weight status and long-term health outcomes.
Reimbursement for Pediatric Obesity Prevention Interventions
Four systematic reviews were analyzed to examine cost-effectiveness of pediatric overweight or obesity prevention interventions.
Strategies to improve the implementation of healthy eating, physical activity and obesity prevention policies, practices or programmes within childcare services.
Strategies to improve the implementation of healthy eating, physical activity and obesity prevention policies, practices or programmes within childcare services.
Limited data exist to demonstrate whether nutrition interventions are cost-effective in the prevention of child overweight and obesity. Few researchers examine this important outcome in interventions. In the review of cost-effectiveness by Salam and colleagues,
most of the family-based and community-based interventions were shown to be cost-effective. This is promising and substantiates the promotion of nutrition interventions to promote healthy weight status in children and adolescents. RDNs play an integral role in implementing child overweight and obesity prevention interventions across multiple settings. To advocate for reimbursement of services for RDNs for child overweight and obesity prevention, it is necessary to have data on both improvements in child outcomes and cost-effectiveness of prevention efforts. RDNs collaborate with health economists in the development and evaluation of prevention efforts.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2015 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for registered dietitian nutritionists (competent, proficient, and expert) in pediatric nutrition.
Strategies to improve the implementation of healthy eating, physical activity and obesity prevention policies, practices or programmes within childcare services.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2015 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for registered dietitian nutritionists (competent, proficient, and expert) in pediatric nutrition.
Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Pediatric Obesity Prevention
There were no systematic reviews available examining nutrition interventions or exposures for pediatric individuals with overweight or obesity during the COVID-19 pandemic at the time of the umbrella review search. However, recent evidence demonstrates that the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in higher rates of BMI increase among children compared with before the pandemic,
described potential health-related behaviors for preschool- and school-aged children during the COVID-19 lockdown. The authors discussed the influence of social isolation on risk for cardiovascular disease and inflammation, as well as social and emotional development. The authors also highlighted the increased screen time that has resulted from the pandemic, as well as the reduction in physical activity through sports, school, and social activities.
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented many challenges and lessons learned that are especially relevant for pediatric obesity prevention. Recent data indicate that obesity levels among youth have increased during the pandemic,
Epidemiology, clinical features, and disease severity in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a children’s hospital in New York City, New York.
Hospitalization rates and characteristics of children aged <18 years hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19—COVID-NET, 14 States, March 1-July 25, 2020.
The impact of increasing SNAP benefits on stabilizing the economy, reducing poverty and food insecurity amid COVID-19 pandemic. Healthy Eating Research.
In the virtual learning environment, certain subjects, such as health and physical education (which often includes nutrition), may be decreased to minimal levels or requirements might be waived altogether.
thus, it is important to have effective modes of delivery of nutrition education that can be reinforced throughout the school day. Alternate routes for delivery of nutrition education need to be developed and evaluated, including eHealth/mHealth options, virtual delivery of lessons, or telehealth (see Electronic Media Marketing and Device Exposures and Interventions section).
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2015 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for registered dietitian nutritionists (competent, proficient, and expert) in pediatric nutrition.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2015 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for registered dietitian nutritionists (competent, proficient, and expert) in pediatric nutrition.
Existing food systems in the school setting, WIC, and SNAP needed to be modified during the COVID-19 pandemic, and many RDNs were at the forefront of these changes, which included universal free meals at schools,
Improving access to free school meals: Addressing intersections between universal free school meal approaches and educational funding. Healthy Eating Research.
There is concern that the combination of lack of nutrition education, decreased access to food assistance programs, and decreased participation in physical education and sports programs, especially due to school closures, have contributed to the pediatric obesity epidemic, and emerging evidence seems to confirm this view.
As the fallout from the pandemic continues to be examined, it is likely that more clarity will be brought to the short-term and long-term effects on pediatric obesity. In the meantime, RDNs involved in pediatric obesity prevention can incorporate what they learned from this societal disruptor into practice by incorporating emergency planning into all aspects of child food assistance provision and federal nutrition programs, and by developing, implementing, and evaluating new methods of nutrition education that are appropriate for virtual delivery or social distancing.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2015 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for registered dietitian nutritionists (competent, proficient, and expert) in pediatric nutrition.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (Competent, Proficient, and Expert) in Public Health and Community Nutrition.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2020 Standards of Professional Performance for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (Competent, Proficient, and Expert) in Sustainable, Resilient, and Healthy Food and Water Systems.
Risk of bias was a concern in many of the studies examined, which tended to lower the certainty of evidence. In most prevention studies, bias can be difficult to completely attenuate, but use of more rigorous study designs, standardized interventions that use specific nutrition messages and/or behavioral strategies,
The behavior change technique taxonomy (v1) of 93 hierarchically clustered techniques: Building an international consensus for the reporting of behavior change interventions.
more homogeneous populations, and analytic methods to control for confounding variables can all help to decrease bias. With children in general, age should be considered an important factor in study designs, as cognitive development can vary significantly among different age groups.
Much of the evidence from the systematic reviews identified in this Position Paper was graded as LOW. There are many research gaps to fill to move efficacious pediatric overweight and obesity interventions into diverse settings and populations. Interventions should move beyond individual-level targets and include environmental and “up-stream” factors across multiple settings. RDNs can also participate in community-engaged research
to include children and families from across racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups, in the development, implementation, and evaluation of interventions. High-quality research is most lacking for overweight and obesity interventions for adolescents aged 13 through 17 years. RDNs should embrace the use of technology to reach teens and families for overweight and obesity prevention.
There is a great deal of heterogeneity across studies. Advancements in standard measures for pediatric overweight and obesity are needed, beyond BMI or BMI z score. There is also a need for the development, adaptation, and validation of measurement tools that are appropriate for children at highest risk for pediatric obesity.
Separating interventions by age group and developmental level is also key, as spheres of influence change as children age. Very limited research exists to understand the impact of food access programs, social media interventions, population-level assessment of adverse childhood events, and dietary quality on the prevention of pediatric overweight and obesity, making these key areas of further exploration. Using approaches to decrease weight stigma among children and their families is important for RDNs and a better understanding of the use of a “weight-neutral” approach is needed in pediatric obesity prevention intervention research.
To understand the effectiveness of the roles of RDNs in obesity prevention research, RDNs need to participate on intervention teams and the inclusion of RDNs needs to be stated clearly within research articles.
Finally, this Position Paper and supporting umbrella review focused on pediatric individuals aged 2 through 17 years. Therefore, early diet, including breastfeeding and complementary feeding, were outside the scope of this article, although these factors, along with prenatal influences, can have important impacts on pediatric overweight and obesity risk. A future Academy Position on the role of early feeding intake and other exposures on overweight and obesity prevention may be warranted.
Conclusions
This Position Paper provides evidence-based information on the importance of nutrition and physical activity interventions, and RDN leadership, in pediatric obesity prevention. The evidence reviewed in this Position Paper contained many overarching themes that can be used for the prevention of pediatric obesity (Figure 2). As can be seen in the assignment of grades for the evidence, intervention efficacy can vary significantly based on the age and developmental level of the child. Thus, RDNs who work in pediatric obesity prevention need knowledge in child development to determine effective programming and intervention strategies. In addition, RDNs should be trained in behavioral-based health promotion theories and strategies for physical activity, policy, and environmental and social determinants of health, which should augment dietary interventions. These areas represent different levels of influence that are necessary to address the complexity of obesity prevention and healthful approaches to eating in children. More research using implementation science methodology is needed for dissemination of effective obesity prevention programs that can ultimately lead to greater impacts on child health.
Figure 2Visual summary of findings from an overview of systematic reviews examining nutrition interventions for pediatric overweight and obesity prevention. BMI = body mass index.
Figure 1Alignment between “Implication for Practitioners” and Pediatric Nutrition Standards of Practice (SOP) and Standards of Professional Performance (SOPP).
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2015 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for registered dietitian nutritionists (competent, proficient, and expert) in pediatric nutrition.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2015 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for registered dietitian nutritionists (competent, proficient, and expert) in pediatric nutrition.
provide nutrition education as an essential part of pediatric obesity prevention interventions.
SOP 3.12C: Identifies tools for nutrition education that are appropriate to the patient’s/client’s (and/or family’s) educational needs, learning style, and method of communication; uses interpersonal teaching, training, coaching, counseling, or technological approaches as appropriate
Nutrition education programs include behaviorally based strategies that are planned using systematic approaches
SOP 3.12D Uses critical thinking and synthesis skills for combining multiple intervention approaches as appropriate and adapts general nutrition education tools to individualized learning style and method of communication SOPP 5.3 Selects appropriate information and most effective method or format when communicating information and conducting nutrition education and counseling
RDNs who develop culturally and developmentally appropriate nutrition education programs for obesity prevention are trained in behavioral sciences or work in collaboration with behavioral scientists.
SOP 3.12G Utilizes and individualizes appropriate behavior change theories (eg, motivational interviewing, behavior modification, modeling) SOP 4.1D Evaluates evidence that the nutrition intervention/plan of care is influencing a desirable change in the patient/client behavior or status
RDNs who develop [nutrition education] programs collaborate with experts in physical activity or expand their own training in physical activity interventions for children.
SOP 1.4A1 Compares to established guidelines, given developmental stage and physical activity level; consults with health care professionals if needed (ie, if influence on nutrient intake is out of the RDN’s scope of practice, eg, psychological, medical) SOPP 3.4A Collaborates and coordinates with peers, colleagues, and within interdisciplinary teams SOPP 4.5C Collaborates with interdisciplinary and/or inter-organizational team to perform and disseminate pediatric nutrition and related research
Nutrition messages reflect the latest scientific evidence and focus on behavioral strategies associated with healthy dietary intake.
SOPP 3.3C Communicates principles of disease prevention and behavioral change appropriate to the patient/client or target population SOPP 5.2 Communicates and applies best available research/evidence SOPP 5.3 Selects appropriate information and most effective method or format when communicating information and conducting nutrition education and counseling SOPP 5.4A Integrates new knowledge of pediatric nutrition therapy as it applies to the target population (including the family/patient care providers)
Prevention interventions in the home and family setting
RDNs work with families to help shape food behaviors and preferences early.
SOP 3.4B Organizes and leads communication with the family, acts as case manager to organize care in collaboration with the health care team SOPP 3.3E1 Facilitates patients’/clients’/families’ participation in health care decision making and goal setting
RDNs help families implement routines and rules around consistent family meals and removing electronic devices (eg, television, phones, and tablets) during mealtimes, both at home and when eating away from home.
SOP 3.6C Develops an intervention plan that considers and/or addresses future issues (eg, helps the family identify strategies for future situations) SOP 3.12C Identifies tools for nutrition education that are appropriate to the patient’s/client’s (and/or family’s) educational needs, learning style, and method of communication; uses interpersonal teaching, training, coaching, counseling, or technological approaches as appropriate SOP 3.12G Utilizes and individualizes appropriate behavior change theories (eg, motivational interviewing, behavior modification, modeling)
RDNs connect with parents or other primary caregivers through strategies using technology (eg, eHealth/mHealth) or by partnering with nonprofit or food companies and retailers)
SOP 3.10A Facilitates and fosters active communication, learning, partnerships, and collaboration with the health care team and others as appropriate
RDNs work with interdisciplinary teams to implement more comprehensive interventions that include the home and family setting as one component of the intervention.
SOP 3.10B Identifies and seeks out opportunities for interdisciplinary and interagency collaboration, specific to the patient’s/client’s needs
Prevention interventions in the health care setting
RDNs impact pediatric obesity in the primary care setting both by working to educate other health care professionals and by connecting directly with clients and families during regularly scheduled appointments.
SOP 3.7A Determines intensity required to make specific changes and uses that to determine duration and follow-up SOP 3.10A Facilitates and fosters active communication, learning, partnerships, and collaboration with the health care team and others as appropriate
RDNs participate in interdisciplinary education to provide other health care practitioners with dietetics education.
SOPP 2.9B Seeks opportunities to participate in mentor/protégé programs with nutrition and dietetics practitioners, health care professionals, or other professionals SOPP 5.5A3 Contributes to the educational and professional development of students and health care professionals through formal and informal teaching activities, preceptorship, and mentorship
RDNs engage primary care providers to provide opportunities for families that can improve pediatric obesity prevention, such as nutrition counseling, cooking demonstrations, or healthy snacks available in the office.
SOP 3.12C Identifies tools for nutrition education that are appropriate to the patient’s/client’s (and/or family’s) educational needs, learning style, and method of communication; uses interpersonal teaching, training, coaching, counseling, or technological approaches as appropriate
RDNs use a multicomponent parent education program to educate on appropriate nutrition and physical activity for their children based on age and weight.
SOP 1.7B Evaluates ability of current physical activity level to facilitate recovery, prevent, and/or reduce disease/condition in the context of the treatment plan SOP 3.5B Considers effects on patient/client and his or her family (eg, activities of daily living, participation in activities that are appropriate for age and developmental level)
Prevention interventions in the school setting
RDNs . . . continue current efforts of working through child nutrition programs, and to expand their reach through more involvement in the development and implementation of local school wellness policies, as well as advocating for evidence-based school policies at the national, state, and local levels.
SOPP 3.8B2 Identifies situations in which advocacy related to pediatric nutrition is needed SOPP 3.8B3 Participates in policy-making activities that influence provision of pediatric food, nutrition, and related services at the local or state level (eg, advocates for change in reimbursement for pediatric nutrition therapy and/or related supplies; provides data to support nutrition services; sits on related committees)
[Nutrition] [p]rograms . . . should emphasize appropriate developmental approaches, which highlight growing independence and peer influences, as well as addressing environmental and social determinants of health.
SOP 1.4F2 Assesses barriers to adequate food access (eg, homelessness, transportation, finances, language, and cultural differences) SOPP 3.1D1 Develops new or improves upon current practices within own position to make them more patient/client/family-centered and culturally appropriate and to minimize health disparities
Prevention interventions in the community setting
RDNs develop community-based interventions that target parents but focus specifically on child diet or physical activity.
SOPP 3.1B Utilizes the needs, expectations, and desired outcomes of the patient/client/customer (eg, family, consumer, administrator, client organization[s]) in program/service development
RDNs . . . extend programmatic [school-based] changes into the community environment.
SOPP 3.1B Utilizes the needs, expectations, and desired outcomes of the patient/client/customer (eg, family, consumer, administrator, client organization[s]) in program/service development SOPP 3.3B2 Connects target population with established resources and services based on individual, identified needs
RDNs should continue to build on this evidence to design more rigorous trials to evaluate the effectiveness of obesity prevention efforts in the community setting, as well as to further define appropriate determinants of pediatric obesity in the community in different age groups.
SOPP 4.4B Participates in research activities related to pediatric nutrition (eg, data collection and/or analysis, research design, publication) SOPP 4.4E Identifies and initiates research relevant to pediatric nutrition practice as the primary investigator, or as a collaborator with other members of the health care team or community
Electronic media, marketing, and device exposures and interventions
RDNs working with adolescents from low SES backgrounds include them in the development and delivery of the intervention to increase cultural relevance and buy-in for behavior change.
SOPP 3.1D1 Develops new or improves upon current practices within own position to make them more patient/client/family-centered and culturally appropriate and to minimize health disparities SOPP 3.1D2 Structures system to improve and implement programs, policies, services on an organizational or system level (ie, outside of own individual position)
RDNs participate in and advocate for evaluation of nutrition interventions within minority population groups and with children with low SES to better understand impacts for prevention.
SOPP 3.8B2 Identifies situations in which advocacy related to pediatric nutrition is needed SOPP 3.8B5 Participates in regional or national activities related to pediatric nutrition policy and services; seeks opportunities for collaboration
RDNs enhance their knowledge and skills by working with clients from a variety of cultural backgrounds, including cultural norms of weight and body image to develop culturally appropriate assessment tools and educational resources.
SOPP 2.6C Participates in continuing education opportunities relevant to pediatric nutrition locally, regionally, and nationally
RDNs make dietary recommendations that include culturally appropriate foods and eating patterns and help families to access healthy foods in their communities.
SOPP 3.1D1 Develops new or improves upon current practices within own position to make them more patient/client/family-centered and culturally appropriate and to minimize health disparities SOPP 3.6A Collaborates on or designs food delivery systems to address nutrition status, health care needs and outcomes, and to satisfy the cultural preferences and desires of target populations (eg, health care patients/clients, employee groups, visitors to retail venues)
RDNs . . . advocate for the inclusion of foods from a variety of cultures within federal food assistance programs…
SOPP 3.8B5 Participates in regional or national activities related to pediatric nutrition policy and services; seeks opportunities for collaboration
Federal food assistance programs
RDNs play an integral role in the development of food assistance programs, as well as implementation of new policies and programs.
SOPP 3.8B6 Leads and develops public policy related to pediatric food and nutrition services, at a regional or national level
RDNs assess food insecurity along with weight- and diet-related measures to determine appropriate referrals and support to federal food assistance programs.
SOP 1.4F2 Assesses barriers to adequate food access (eg, homelessness, transportation, finances, language, and cultural differences)
Food access programs
A client’s food access is included as part of any nutrition assessment, and the RDN tailors their recommendations accordingly.
SOP 1.4F2 Assesses barriers to adequate food access (eg, homelessness, transportation, finances, language, and cultural differences)
RDNs [assess a child’s dietary recall and] investigates whether [small amounts of healthy meals and snacks are] due to lack of nutrition education or lack of access to healthy nutrient-dense foods.
SOP 1.4D Assesses knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes including understanding of nutrition-related concepts, conviction of the truth and feelings/ emotions toward some nutrition-related statement or phenomenon, body image and preoccupation with food and weight, and readiness to change nutrition-related behaviors SOP 1.4F Assesses factors affecting access to food that influence intake and availability of a sufficient quantity of safe, healthful food and water as well as food/nutrition-related supplies SOP 1.4F2 Assesses barriers to adequate food access (eg, homelessness, transportation, finances, language, and cultural differences)
RDN refers clients or their caregivers to their social services department and provide information on available food assistance programs.
SOP 3.9A Coordinates referral(s) for other services (eg, physical assistance, education services, financial, and other resources) and utilizes interagency networks
RDNs education families on grocery shopping, inexpensive recipes, and community gardens.
SOP 3.6B Develops an education plan or program to address current needs SOP 3.6C Develops an intervention plan that considers and/or addresses future issues (eg, helps the family identify strategies for future situations)
Dietary patterns and quality
RDNs assess dietary intake by comparing intake to healthy dietary recommendations and patterns that are associated with beneficial health outcomes, including weight status.
SOP 1.4A1 Compares to established guidelines, given developmental stage and physical activity level; consults with health care professionals if needed (ie, if influence on nutrient intake is out of the RDN’s scope of practice, eg, psychological, medical)
RDNs recognize that there is not one universal dietary pattern that will work for all children and adolescents.
SOP 1.6A1 Uses understanding of patient’s/client’s history, condition, or other issues to individualize expectations and deviate from established reference standards SOP 3.2E Recognizes when it is appropriate to deviate from established guidelines
RDNs help families adopt dietary patterns that include a variety of nourishing foods.
SOP 3.6C Develops an intervention plan that considers and/or addresses future issues (eg, helps the family identify strategies for future situations)
RDNs advocate for policies to make minimally processed foods more available in homes, schools, and community settings.
SOPP 3.8B2 Identifies situations in which advocacy related to pediatric nutrition is needed
Reimbursement for pediatric obesity prevention interventions
RDNs collaborate with health economists in the development and evaluation of prevention efforts.
SOP 3.4A Recognizes specific knowledge and skills of other providers, and collaborates to provide comprehensive care SOPP 3.4D3 Collaborates with other groups at regional and national level to develop pediatric or related nutrition policies/protocols and strengthen nutrition outcomes effectiveness
RDNs participate in translational research to assist with the process of moving evidence-based guidelines into clinical and community settings.
SOPP 4.5C Collaborates with interdisciplinary and/or inter-organizational team to perform and disseminate pediatric nutrition and related research SOPP 5.1A Presents evidence-based pediatric nutrition information at the local level (eg, community groups, colleagues, health care administrators, and executives)
Implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric obesity prevention
Alternate routes for delivery of nutrition education need to be developed and evaluated, including eHealth/mHealth options, virtual delivery of lessons, or telehealth.
SOPP 5.3B1 Consults in development and/or application of information technology to communicate, manage knowledge, and support decision making related to pediatric nutrition SOPP 5.3B2 Directs the development and/or application of information technology to communicate, manage knowledge, and drive decision making related to pediatric nutrition
Food assistance programs for children need to be strengthened to withstand future disruptions.
SOPP 3.6 Designs and implements food delivery systems to meet the needs of patients/clients/customers
RDNs incorporate learnings from this societal disruptor into practice by incorporating emergency planning into all aspects of child food assistance provision; integrating nutrition education more fully into the school ecosystem; and developing, implementing, and evaluating new methods of nutrition education that are appropriate for social distancing.
Forthcoming indicators related to emergency planning to be included in 2022 revision of the pediatric SOP SOPP.
Current systems-level evidence on nutrition interventions to prevent and treat cardiometabolic risk in the pediatric population: An evidence analysis center scoping review [published online ahead of print January 22, 2021]. J Acad Nutr Diet.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2015 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for registered dietitian nutritionists (competent, proficient, and expert) in pediatric nutrition.
Highly-integrated programs for the prevention of obesity and overweight in children and adolescents: Results from a systematic review and meta-analysis.
A secondary analysis of the childhood obesity prevention Cochrane Review through a wider determinants of health lens: Implications for research funders, researchers, policymakers and practitioners.
The behavior change technique taxonomy (v1) of 93 hierarchically clustered techniques: Building an international consensus for the reporting of behavior change interventions.
Development and Validation of the Guide for Effective Nutrition Interventions and Education (GENIE): A tool for assessing the quality of proposed nutrition education programs.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (Competent, Proficient, and Expert) in Public Health and Community Nutrition.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2020 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (Competent, Proficient, and Expert) in Eating Disorders.
Strategies to improve the implementation of healthy eating, physical activity and obesity prevention policies, practices or programmes within childcare services.
Effectiveness of school-based health promotion interventions prioritized by stakeholders from health and education sectors: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
The impact of the World Health Organization Health Promoting Schools framework approach on diet and physical activity behaviours of adolescents in secondary schools: A systematic review.
Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior, and School Nutrition Association: Comprehensive nutrition programs and services in schools.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2020 Standards of Professional Performance for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (Competent, Proficient, and Expert) in Sustainable, Resilient, and Healthy Food and Water Systems.
The effectiveness and promising strategies of obesity prevention and treatment programmes among adolescents from disadvantaged backgrounds: A systematic review.
Prevalence of overweight, obesity, and severe obesity among children and adolescents aged 2-19 years: United States, 1963-1965 through 2015-2016. National Center for Health Statistics. Health E-Stats.
(Published September 2018. Accessed November 10, 2021)
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