Abstract
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.
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Biography
D. M. Hoelscher is a regional dean and director, Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health at Austin, Austin, TX.
Biography
L. S. Brann is an associate professor, Department of Nutrition and Food Studies, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY.
Biography
S. O’Brien is a Sodexo clinical nutrition manager and a pediatric dietitian, Blythedale Children Hospital, Weston, CT.
Biography
D. Handu is a senior scientific director, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Evidence Analysis Center, Chicago, IL
Biography
M. Rozga is a nutrition researcher, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Chicago, IL.
Article Info
Publication History
Accepted:
November 3,
2021
Received:
October 1,
2021
Footnotes
This Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics position was approved by the Council on Research on October 19, 2021. The position paper was previously published September 2013 and June 2006. This position is in effect until December 31, 2028. Position papers should not be used to indicate endorsement of products or services. All requests to use portions of the position or republish in its entirety must be directed to the Academy at [email protected] .
REVIEWERS Dana Buelsing, MS, CAP, LSSGB, (manager, Quality Standards Operation, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Chicago, IL); Karen Hui, RDN, LDN (scope/standards of practice specialist, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Chicago, IL); Jill Balla Kohn, MS, RDN, LDN (director, Nutrition Information Services, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Chicago, IL); Sharon M. McCauley, MS, MBA, RDN, LDN, FADA, FAND (executive director, Commission on Dietetic Registration, Chicago, IL); Constantina Papoutsakis, PhD, RDN (senior director, Data Science Center, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Chicago, IL). The authors thank the reviewers listed above as well as Academy member reviewers for their many constructive comments and suggestions. The reviewers were not asked to endorse this position or the supporting review.
STATEMENT OF POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST M. Rozga is a dietitian employed by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The University of Texas School of Public Health receives royalties based on sale of CATCH curriculum, but the funds are used for further research and development. No potential conflict of interest was reported by the remaining authors.
FUNDING/SUPPORT This systematic review was funded by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS All authors worked collaboratively to conceive of the research questions, eligibility criteria, and outcomes. All authors screened studies for inclusion. M. Rozga extracted data and summarized evidence. All authors contributed to the first draft. All authors reviewed and edited the manuscript in detail and approved of the final draft.
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
