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Children's obesity and the Mediterranean diet, is it key to success?

Objective According to the World Health Organization obesity is referred as a condition in which abnormal or excessive fat accumulation may impair health. Overweight and obesity are largely result of improper eating habits and reduced physical activity. In 2015 Croatian Health Service Yearbook published that from total of 120.883 examined primary school pupils, 12.4% were overweight and 8.9% obese. From 30.340 examined high school pupils 12.9% were overweight and 10.4% obese. Methods Based on long experience in managing children's obesity in 2013 Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Center Zagreb, started therapeutic project for obese children and adolescents. In addition to treatment, the goal is to prevent comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes and to improve quality of life, both in children and their parents. As confirmed through studies, the best model to achieve regular dietary habits proved to be Mediterranean diet. During their 5 day stay in daily hospital, children/adolescents are on specially adjusted Mediterranean-reduction diet. Also this diet is in accordance with the Croatian National Guidelines for Nutrition for Children in Primary Schools. Results To today 23 groups entered program, 138 children. The highest initial body mass index (BMI) in girls was 43.1 kg/m² and in boys 43.2 kg/m². The highest BMI reduction in girls was 11.3 kg/m² in 11 months, and in boys 6.5 kg/m² in period of 19 since the program stared. The mean median reduction in BMI for all groups was 1.4 kg/m². In all groups waist circumference reduction was recorded, the highest in group 17, in period of 15 months, by 9.1 cm per patient. Conclusions Based on given results, we can conclude that adjusted Mediterranean diet can contribute in reduction in this rising obesity epidemic in children.

Obesity in children and adolescents, Mediterranean diet, Noncommunicable diseasesObesity in children and adolescents, Mediterranean diet, Noncommunicable diseases

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