Decreased ultra-processed food consumption as a mediator for lowering cardiovascular risk after a lifestyle program in pediatric obesity: a randomized clinical trial.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

We conducted this study to assess changes in cardiovascular health, ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption, and their relationship after a weight loss program intervention in a pediatric population with abdominal obesity.

Methods

A total of 107 participants (7-16 years old) were randomly assigned to either the intervention (moderate hypocaloric Mediterranean diet; n = 81) or usual care group (standard pediatric advice; n = 26) for an intensive 8-week lifestyle intervention (ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT03147261). UPFs were categorized using the NOVA classification system, and cardiovascular health was defined using the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8 scores (LE8, 0-100 points).

Results

A significant increase in 5.94 poi

SUBMITTER: Ojeda-Rodriguez A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12932238 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature