PP249 - NUTRITIONAL AND HEALTHY BEHAVIOR AND LIFESTYLE TREATMENT FOR ANTHROPOMETRIC INDICES IN PEDIATRIC MASLD: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND NETWORK META-ANALYSIS
PP249
NUTRITIONAL AND HEALTHY BEHAVIOR AND LIFESTYLE TREATMENT FOR ANTHROPOMETRIC INDICES IN PEDIATRIC MASLD: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND NETWORK META-ANALYSIS
E. F.-C. Lei1,2, K.-W. Wan1,2, B. Tam1,2,*
1Academy of Wellness and Human Development, 2Dr. Stephen Hui Research Centre for Physical Recreation and Wellness, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR
Rationale: To inform evidence-based practice, this study addresses the high prevalence of MASLD in pediatric obesity and uncertain treatment guidance by identifying the most effective non-pharmacological strategies for improving anthropometric indices.
Methods: We conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis of RCTs evaluating nutritional supplements, dietary interventions, and/or healthy behavior and lifestyle treatment (HBLT) in children with MASLD and overweight/obesity. A frequentist random-effects model compared effects on BMI, zBMI, and waist circumference.
Results: Among 28 included trials (1,926 participants), combined interventions proved most effective. For BMI reduction, the combination of DHA, Vitamin D, and HBLT ranked highest (mean difference [MD]: -4.85 kg/m²; 95% CI: -7.99 to -1.71), followed by intensive, multidisciplinary HBLT (IHBLT) (MD: -2.50 kg/m²; 95% CI: -3.55 to -1.45). For zBMI reduction, IHBLT ranked first (MD: -0.77; 95% CI: -1.20 to -0.33), followed by Probiotics combined with HBLT (MD: -0.43; 95% CI: -0.64 to -0.21).
Conclusion: Healthy behavior and lifestyle treatment (HBLT) is the essential foundation for managing pediatric MASLD. However, our findings reveal that the greatest clinical benefits are achieved when HBLT is integrated with targeted nutritional supplements. The combination of DHA and Vitamin D with HBLT demonstrated the most substantial reduction in BMI, underscoring the critical role of specific supplements in amplifying the effects of lifestyle interventions. This supports a necessary shift in clinical practice towards multi-component strategies that pair a strong HBLT backbone with evidence-based nutritional supplementation for superior outcomes.
Disclosure of Interest: None declared