Association between Food, Beverages and Overweight/Obesity in Children and Adolescents-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies.

Abstract

A healthy diet is essential to prevent childhood obesity, however, adherence to a healthy diet is challenging. The aim of this study was to give a comprehensive overview of the literature investigaating associations between food and beverages and overweight/obesity in children and adolescents in order to identify dietary risk factors. A systematic search was performed in four databases and observational studies were included. Meta-analysis was performed using the random effect model. Sixty records met inclusion criteria and 14 different food or beverage categories were identified. A higher intake of sugar-sweetened beverages increased the odds of overweight/obesity by 1.20 (<i>p</i> < 0.05) (<i>n</i> = 26) and higher intake of fast food increased the odds of overweight/obesity by 1.17 (<i>p</i> < 0.05) (<i>n</i> = 24). Furthermore, higher intake of meat (OR 1.02, <i>p</i> < 0.05 (<i>n</i>:7)) and refined grains (OR 1.28, <i>p</i> < 0.05 (<i>n</i>:3)) was associated with an increased risk of overweight/obesity. In contrast, higher intake of whole grain (OR 0.86, <i>p</i> = 0.04 (<i>n</i>:5)) and more surprisingly sweet bakery (OR 0.59, <i>p</i> < 0.05 (<i>n</i>:3)) was associated with a decreased risk of overweight/obesity. In conclusion, a higher intake of sugar-sweetened beverages and a higher intake of fast food was identified as the primary dietary risk factors for overweight/obesity. Future research is needed to strengthen the generalizability of these results.