The estimated effect of increasing fruit interventions on controlling body weight in children and adolescents: A meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: The impact of increased fruit consumption on weight change remains a matter of debate.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of interventions targeted at promoting fruit consumption and managing body weight in children and adolescents.

Methods: Four electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, were searched from January 1, 2000, to October 10th, 2023, to identify Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed changes in fruit consumption and obesity indicators.

Results: A total of 22 trials including 12,678 participants who met our inclusion criteria were selected for this review. The meta-analysis demonstrated that the interventions increased fruit intake (MD = 78.58 g/day (95% CI 53.09 to 104.07), P < 0.001) in children and adolescents. The mean reduction of body mass index was 0.27 kg/m² (95% CI -0.59 to 0.05 kg/m², P = 0.101). And no significant decreases were observed in body mass index-z scores, but there was a significant decrease in waist circumference (MD = -0.65 cm (95% CI -1.15 to -0.05 cm), P < 0.05). Increased fruit intake was shown to be associated with a lower prevalence of obesity when compared to the control group (odds ratio [OR]: 0.74, 95% CI 0.60 to 0.90), P < 0.05).

Conclusions: This meta-analysis provided evidence that interventions aimed at increasing fruit consumption were effective at reducing obesity prevalence.

Keywords: Adolescents; Children; Fruit; Meta-analysis; Obesity.