CONTEXT:Childhood overweight/obesity (Ov/Ob), and its association with metabolic complications, known as metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO), is a major public health problem. Diet is an important modifiable determinant of weight status, but the relationship between dietary patterns and Ov/Ob or MUO in children/adolescents in Western countries remains poorly studied. OBJECTIVE:This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to explore associations between adherence to dietary patterns and Ov/Ob or MUO risk in children/adolescents aged 2-19 years. DATA SOURCES:The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used to identify prospective epidemiological studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs), with ≥12 months of follow-up for both study designs, from PUBMED and Scopus published between January 2013 and November 2024. DATA EXTRACTION:Thirty-two prospective studies were included, all of which reported on Ov/Ob risk. No studies addressing MUO risk were identified. Nineteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. The dietary patterns were categorized as healthy or unhealthy. DATA ANALYSIS:Healthy dietary patterns had a positive effect, whereas unhealthy dietary patterns had a negative impact on various anthropometric parameters in children and adolescents. A higher level of adherence to a healthy dietary pattern was associated with lower odds of childhood Ov/Ob (odds ratio [OR], 0.86; 95% CI, 0.77-0.96 [adjusted model]) and with a decrease in the longitudinal change of the body mass index (β, -.10; 95% CI, -.0.16 to -.0.05 kg/m2 [adjusted model]) while a higher level of adherence to an unhealthy dietary pattern was associated with higher odds of childhood Ov/Ob (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.08-1.37 [adjusted model]) compared to a lower level of adherence. CONCLUSION:In children and adolescents, a preventive effect against Ov/Ob is exhibited with higher adherence to healthy dietary patterns, while unhealthy dietary patterns contribute to an increased risk of Ov/Ob. The observed associations were modest in magnitude, and the absence of RCTs limits the strength of the evidence. No studies were identified relative to MUO, highlighting a significant research gap. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION:PROSPERO registration No. [CRD42023477613].
Physical inactivity (PI) is a major contributor to adiposity and cardiometabolic morbidity. To synthesize evidence of the association between PI and childhood overweight/obesity (OV/OB) and metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO; OB accompanied by cardiometabolic abnormalities) risk. A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective epidemiological studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed following PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO ID: CRD42023482960). Studies conducted in Western countries with 2-19-year-old participants, PI-related exposures (time/frequency of engagement in various sedentary behaviors) and interventions (targeting PI reduction), OV/OB-/MUO-related outcomes and ≥ 12-month follow-up were extracted from PubMed and Scopus (publication timeframe: 01/01/2013-30/06/2024). Study quality was assessed through risk of bias (RoB). Among 86 prospective epidemiological studies with OV/OB-related outcomes (42
Gluten-free products (GFPs) market assessment largely derives from retail market research or by applying quantitative methodology to populations living with coeliac disease. Data come only from individual countries, lacking a broader geographical perspective, an environmental factor affecting consumer behavior. Thus, the present study aimed to identify perceived challenges faced by GFPs consumers who live around the Mediterranean basin. People who buy GFPs, living in Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Lebanon, Spain, and Turkey, were invited to participate in an on-line survey (led by Harper Adams University, UK) about their purchasing experiences, and were asked to freely comment on the GFPs market, in an optional open-ended question. The texts were analysed following a general inductive approach. In total, 1450 individuals provided input, being in the majority female, between 45-64 years-old, and diagnosed with coeliac disease. Comments were grouped in four broad thematic areas: availability, cost, packaging, and quality. The vast majority of statements were of negative nature, though quite few referred to comparative improvements of the market over time. Views per theme were rather similar, but inter-country differences in prioritising the issues were detected. Availability received the most criticism, in terms of stock and products variety, followed by either cost or quality. Consumers felt GFPs are not value-for-money, considering their organoleptic or nutritional quality. Labelling issues, though raised to a lesser degree, were featured as especially burdensome. People purchasing GFPs in the region of Mediterranean perceive still facing related difficulties, largely mutual, showing to potential implications for improving GFPs market.
Introduction:Research on children's television programming examining the quality of presented foods finds a prevalence of processed foods, though the degree of processing of the foods shown has not been extensively examined. This study aims to assess the quality of the food presented in popular children's television series, based on the NOVA food classification system, and distinguish between the way foods are presented. Methods:We selected 100 episodes of 10 cartoon television series that had large audiences of children. Food items, either eaten by heroes or introduced visually or verbally in television series, were recorded per episode. They were then classified according to the NOVA system. Differences by the series continent of origin (Europe, North America, or Asia) were also examined. Results:The median number of food recordings per episode was 3.0, with most (61.5%) classified as foods introduced visually or verbally. More than half of all foods featured per episode were ultraprocessed foods (UPF) and one third of them were minimally processed foods (MPF), while other NOVA food categories rarely appeared. Both UPF and MPF were presented more often as foods introduced visually or verbally rather than as foods eaten, but UPF represented 72% of the foods eaten per episode. European cartoons broadcasted more UPF items compared with North American television series. Conclusion:UPF dominated in children's television series, especially those of European origin, raising a public health concern for Europe.
This systematic review examined the etiologic association between physical activity (PA) and indicators of childhood overweight/obesity (OV/OB) and metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) risk. Original peer-reviewed English reports published between January 01, 2013, and June 30, 2024, were retrieved from MEDLINE and Scopus. A total of 106 prospective epidemiological studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted in Western countries among 2- to 19-year-olds with ≥12-month follow-up were eligible. Study quality was evaluated through risk of bias (RoB). Regarding OV/OB, epidemiological studies (n = 86, 57% high-RoB) revealed a protective effect of certain accelerometry-measured exposures: moderate-to-vigorous PA (n = 17/32), vigorous PA (n = 10/15), substituting lower-intensity with higher-intensity PA (n = 7/11), and longitudinally sustaining high PA (n = 3/3). Of the 16 RCTs (31% high-RoB), 10 were successful and most utilized long-term (≥ 1-year) multicomponent PA interventions incorporating behavior change techniques. Random-effects meta-analysis of RCTs revealed a beneficial effect of PA on body mass index (BMI) (n = 5: -0.42 [95% CI: -0.64, -0.21] kg/m2) and BMI z-score (n = 5: -0.09 [95% CI: -0.14, -0.04] SD) change; results were consistent in mixed-effects linear regression models accounting for repeated measurements. PA had no impact on MUO indicators, albeit studies were scarce (n = 4). Promoting PA is a promising strategy against childhood OV/OB. Future research should focus on elucidating its role in MUO prevention.
Background: The worldwide increase in the prevalence of childhood obesity necessitates effective prevention and treatment strategies. Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) offer guidance, but significant heterogeneity or lack of practical application exists in their recommendations. The purpose of the present study is to provide an expert, comprehensive, and comparative analysis of gaps in current CPGs for the prevention and treatment of obesity in children and adolescents. Results: A total of 14 CPGs were identified, focusing on childhood obesity prevention (n = 11), treatment (n = 9), or both (n = 6). Prevention CPGs generally recommend body mass index (BMI) assessment, but specific measurement frequency is often absent. While some provide age-specific dietary recommendations, graphical tools are lacking. Recommendations for increased physical activity and reduced screen time are common, but age-stratified guidance is deficient. Furthermore, recommendations regarding mental health and sleep are notably absent. Treatment CPGs utilize BMI for obesity diagnosis, but inconsistencies in cut-off points persist. Comorbidity assessment is generally recommended, yet age-specific guidance remains lacking. Dietary recommendations are present in most CPGs, but many lack detailed specifications (e.g., meal frequency, portion sizes, macronutrient distribution, age-appropriate examples). Most CPGs advocate for 60 min of daily physical activity and limit screen time to 2 h per day. Recommendations concerning sleep are consistently absent. While parental involvement is acknowledged, specific guidance for active participation in prevention and treatment is deficient. Pharmacological treatment options are frequently outdated, and surgical intervention is reserved for exceptional cases of severe obesity. Conclusions: Standardizing BMI cut-off points and defining age groups across CPGs would improve consistency and comparability in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of childhood obesity. Tailoring recommendations for diet, physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep to specific age groups would ensure developmentally appropriate interventions. A stronger emphasis on early prevention strategies is needed to address the root causes of obesity. Clear guidance for parents and families would facilitate their active engagement in prevention and treatment. Up-to-date information regarding pharmacological and surgical treatments is imperative.
The high cost of gluten-free products (GFPs) is being discussed as a potential barrier to adherence to a gluten-free diet, rendering monitoring of their pricing an ongoing demand in a market subject to continuous fluctuations. The current study aimed to assess the current pricing status of GFPs in the Greek retail market, with a focus on differences between staple and non-staple foods. The retail price and packaging weight of all available GFPs and their gluten-containing (GCPs) counterparts of a GFP-shopping basket (formulated based on the results of a preceding online survey) were recorded by visiting one store of the five most popular reported supermarket chains. The food categories were grouped into staple (e.g. breads, pasta and flours) and non-staple (e.g. chips, sweets and sauces) foods. Adjusting for supermarket chain and product type, a quantile mixed regression model was applied to assess the extent to which median product price (per 100 g) differed between GFPs and GCPs. The unique products recorded were 1058 (of which 408 GFPs), with a total of 2165 retail price recordings. While the overall median price/100 g of GFPs was not found to be significantly different from that of GCPs, the median price of staple GFPs was estimated to be higher than staple GCPs (+€1.03 [95% CI: €0.93; €1.13] per 100 g), whilst that of non-staple GFPs was slightly lower (-€0.20 [95% CI: -€0.37; -€0.02] per 100 g). In conclusion, the persisting higher cost of staple GFPs suggests the need for ongoing financial support for people with coeliac disease.
Nutritional value of the Gluten-free products (GFPs) has been highly debated. Aiming to assess the nutritional value of the cereal-based GFPs in the Greek market, information from the nutritional label and the ingredients list, of all GFPs and their gluten-containing (GC) counterparts available in a supermarket offering the greatest availability in the capital of Greece, were recorded. The sample consisted of 913 products: 351 GFPs and 562 GCPs, classified into 12 categories (e.g., breads, melbas, breakfast cereals, cereal bars, pasta, flours, cookies). With minor exceptions, comparisons among all food categories regarding nutrient profile and nutritional claims showed mixed results, though supporting an overly comparable nutritional profile of the GFPs. Still, a quarter of all GFPs presented an unhealthy nutritional profile. The findings of the present study are highly in agreement with those of relevant studies in the literature, that do not support an inferior nutritional profile compared to GC counterparts.
The role of Bifidobacterium species and microbial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and human milk oligosaccharides in controlling intestinal inflammation and the pathogenesis of obesity and type 1 diabetes (T1D) has been largely studied in recent years. This paper discusses the discovery of signature biomarkers for obesity and T1D based on data from a novel test for profiling several Bifidobacterium species, combined with metabolomic analysis. Through the NUTRISHIELD clinical study, a total of 98 children were recruited: 40 healthy controls, 40 type 1 diabetics, and 18 obese children. Bifidobacterium profiles were assessed in stool samples through an innovative test allowing high taxonomic resolution and precise quantification, while SCFAs and branched amino acids were measured in urine samples through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). KIDMED questionnaires were used to evaluate the children’s dietary habits and correlate them with the Bifidobacterium and metabolomic profiles. We found that B. longum subs. infantis and B. breve were higher in individuals with obesity, while B. bifidum and B. longum subs. longum were lower compared to healthy individuals. In individuals with T1D, alterations were found at the metabolic level, with an overall increase in the level of the most measured metabolites. The high taxonomic resolution of the Bifidobacterium test used meant strong correlations between the concentrations of valine and isoleucine, and the relative abundance of some Bifidobacterium species such as B. longum subs. infantis, B. breve, and B. bifidum could be observed.
Childhood overweight/obesity (OV/OB) is a major public health problem in Western countries, often accompanied with comorbidities (e.g., hypertension and insulin resistance) (i.e., metabolically unhealthy obesity—MUO). Among diet-related risk factors of OV/OB risk and MUO, meal patterns remain limitedly studied. The aim of this systematic review was to explore associations between meal patterns and the risk of childhood OV/OB and MUO in children/adolescents aged 2–19 years. Longitudinal studies and randomised controlled trials from PUBMED and Scopus published between January 2013 and April 2024 were retrieved. Twenty-eight studies were included, all of which reported on OV/OB risk, with none on MUO risk. Regular consumption of breakfast (n = 3) and family meals (n = 4) and avoiding dining while watching TV (n = 4) may be protective factors against childhood OV/OB, whereas meal skipping (primarily breakfast; n = 4) may be a detrimental factor. Mixed effects of meal frequency on OV/OB risk were observed; no effects of frequency of lunch or of fast-food consumption and of meals served at school were found. There was insufficient evidence to support the role of other patterns (meal timing, eating in other social contexts). Meals were mainly participant-identified, leading to increased heterogeneity. Research focusing on childhood MUO and the use of harmonised definitions regarding the assessment of meal patterns are highly warranted.
Across the world and within Europe, a growing number of consumers are choosing to buy gluten-free products. Motivations for a gluten-free diet and the consequences of consuming gluten are varied, from a medical necessity for those diagnosed with celiac disease to a range of health complications and discomfort for those who are gluten-intolerant. In this research, 7296 gluten-free consumers across 13 European countries responded to an online survey on the 33 types of gluten-free products purchased, how frequently they purchased them, their satisfaction with gluten-free quality and availability, the problems they have experienced, and the strategies they have employed to cope with these problems. The investigation examines whether and how these consumer attitudes and behaviors differ between those diagnosed with celiac disease, those who are gluten-intolerant, and those who are caregivers for others with a gluten-free diet. The results show that significant differences existed for all these habits and issues across the three gluten-free consumer groups. Specifically, caregivers purchased most of the gluten-free product types more frequently than the other two groups, experienced more availability problems, and were more likely to shop at multiple stores or make their own gluten-free products. Celiac-diagnosed consumers tended to buy gluten-free products more frequently than those who are gluten-intolerant, and they tended to be the most satisfied with the quality and range of gluten-free offerings. Despite purchasing frequency differences between the groups, the results suggest a similar hierarchy of gluten-free products that could provide the foundation for a European gluten-free food basket.
Accurate dietary assessment in nutritional research is a huge challenge, but essential. Due to the subjective nature of self-reporting methods, the development of analytical methods for food intake and microbiota biomarkers determination is needed. This work presents an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method for the quantification and semi quantification of 20 and 201 food intake biomarkers (BFIs), respectively, as well as 7 microbiota biomarkers applied to 208 urine samples from lactating mothers (M) (N = 59). Dietary intake was assessed through a 24 h dietary recall (R24h). BFI analysis identified three distinct clusters among samples: samples from clusters 1 and 3 presented higher concentrations of most biomarkers than those from cluster 2, with dairy products and milk biomarkers being more concentrated in cluster 1, and seeds, garlic and onion in cluster 3. Significant correlations were observed between three BFIs (fruits, meat, and fish) and R24h data (r > 0.2, p-values < 0.01, Spearman correlation). Microbiota activity biomarkers were simultaneously evaluated and the subgroup patterns detected were compared to clusters from dietary assessment. These results evidence the feasibility, usefulness, and complementary nature of the determination of BFIs, R24h, and microbiota activity biomarkers in observational nutrition cohort studies.
Background:Human milk (HM) is the ideal source of nutrients for infants. Its composition is highly variable according to the infant's needs. When not enough own mother's milk (OMM) is available, the administration of pasteurized donor human milk (DHM) is considered a suitable alternative for preterm infants. This study protocol describes the NUTRISHIELD clinical study. The main objective of this study is to compare the % weight gain/month in preterm and term infants exclusively receiving either OMM or DHM. Other secondary aims comprise the evaluation of the influence of diet, lifestyle habits, psychological stress, and pasteurization on the milk composition, and how it modulates infant's growth, health, and development. Methods and design:NUTRISHIELD is a prospective mother-infant birth cohort in the Spanish-Mediterranean area including three groups: preterm infants <32 weeks of gestation (i) exclusively receiving (i.e., >80% of total intake) OMM, and (ii) exclusively receiving DHM, and (iii) term infants exclusively receiving OMM, as well as their mothers. Biological samples and nutritional, clinical, and anthropometric characteristics are collected at six time points covering the period from birth and until six months of infant's age. The genotype, metabolome, and microbiota as well as the HM composition are characterized. Portable sensor prototypes for the analysis of HM and urine are benchmarked. Additionally, maternal psychosocial status is measured at the beginning of the study and at month six. Mother-infant postpartum bonding and parental stress are also examined. At six months, infant neurodevelopment scales are applied. Mother's concerns and attitudes to breastfeeding are registered through a specific questionnaire. Discussion:NUTRISHIELD provides an in-depth longitudinal study of the mother-infant-microbiota triad combining multiple biological matrices, newly developed analytical methods, and ad-hoc designed sensor prototypes with a wide range of clinical outcome measures. Data obtained from this study will be used to train a machine-learning algorithm for providing dietary advice to lactating mothers and will be implemented in a user-friendly platform based on a combination of user-provided information and biomarker analysis. A better understanding of the factors affecting milk's composition, together with the health implications for infants plays an important role in developing improved strategies of nutraceutical management in infant care. Clinical trial registration:https://register.clinicaltrials.gov, identifier: NCT05646940.
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) remains the major mortality cause in developed countries with hypercholesterolaemia being one of the primary modifiable causes. Lifestyle intervention constitutes the first step in cholesterol management and includes dietary modifications along with the use of functional foods and supplements. Functional foods enriched with plant sterols/stanols have become the most widely used nonprescription cholesterol-lowering approach, despite the lack of randomized trials investigating their long-term safety and cardiovascular efficacy. The cholesterol-lowering effect of plant-sterol supplementation is well-established and a potential beneficial impact on other lipoproteins and glucose homeostasis has been described. Nevertheless, experimental and human observational studies investigating the association of phytosterol supplementation or circulating plant sterols with various markers of atherosclerosis and ASCVD events have demonstrated controversial results. Compelling evidence from recent genetic studies have also linked elevated plasma concentrations of circulating plant sterols with ASCVD presence, thus raising concerns about the safety of phytosterol supplementation. Thus, the aim of this review is to provide up-to-date data on the effect of plant sterols/stanols on lipid-modification and cardiovascular outcomes, as well as to discuss any safety issues and practical concerns.
Background:In people with celiac disease (CD), many factors affect adherence to a gluten-free diet (GFD), and these may well differ among countries. In Greece, such data for the adult population are lacking. Thus, the present study aimed to explore the perceived barriers to compliance with a GFD that are faced by people with CD living in Greece, also taking into account the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods:Nineteen adults (14 females) with biopsy-proven CD, mean age 39±9 years and median time on GFD 7 (Q1-Q3: 4-10) years, participated in 4 focus groups, conducted through a video conference platform during the period October 2020 to March 2021. Data analysis followed the qualitative research methodology.Results:Eating outside the home was reported as the domain where most difficulties were faced: these were related to a lack of confidence in finding safe gluten-free food and to the lack of social awareness about CD/GFD. All participants highlighted the high cost of gluten-free products, which was mostly managed by receiving state financial support. Regarding healthcare, the vast majority of participants reported little contact with dietitians and no follow up. The COVID-19 pandemic eased the burden of eating out, as staying at home and allocating more time to cooking was experienced as a positive effect, although the shift to online food retailing impacted food variability.Conclusion:The main impediment to GFD adherence seems to stem from low social awareness, while the involvement of dietitians in the healthcare of people with CD warrants further investigation.
Background: Recent meta-analyses suggest the use of technology-based interventions as a treatment option for obesity in adulthood. Similar meta-analytic approaches for children are scarce. Objective: The aim of this meta-analysis is to examine the effect of technology-based interventions on overweight and obesity treatment in children and adolescents. Methods: A systematic literature search was performed using MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, and Cochrane Library for randomized clinical trials to identify interventional studies published between January 2000 and February 2021. Results: In total, 9 manuscripts from 8 clinical trials of 582 children or adolescents were considered eligible. BMI, BMI z-score, and other BMI-related baseline metrics during and after intervention were considered as primary outcomes. In 7 of 8 studies, a technology-based intervention was applied in addition to conventional care. Of the 8 studies, 6 studies were conducted in the United States, 1 in Australia, and 1 in northwestern Europe. In total, 5 studies included adolescents, whereas the rest addressed children aged 9 to 12 years. Intervention duration ranged from 3 to 24 months. Significant differences between groups in BMI metric changes were reported by 5 of the 8 studies. Pooled analysis revealed an overall significant decrease in BMI metrics in the intervention group (standardized mean difference -0.61, 95% CI -1.10 to -0.13; P=.01). Subgroup analysis revealed that significance was lost in case of no parental involvement (standardized mean difference -0.36, 95% CI -0.83 to 0.11; P=.14). The small number of clinical trials found, the varying study quality, and the study heterogeneity are some limitations of this review. Conclusions: The studies reported herein describe functional and acceptable technology-based approaches, in addition to conventional treatments, to enhance weight loss in young populations.
SummaryObjectiveTo systematically review and meta‐analyze randomized controlled trials on the effects of technology‐based interventions for maintenance of lost weight.MethodsA systematic literature search was performed to identify randomized controlled trials with at least one intervention arm delivered through the internet or mobile application, published in English until September 2021. Weight change at the end of the weight loss maintenance phase was considered the primary outcome.ResultsTwelve manuscripts with 2941 adults were included in the review; 10 studies were meta‐analyzed. Included interventions had a duration of 3–30 months and were tested compared with minimum interventions (no contact with the study staff or intervention with only a limited number of features) or in‐person groups. Technology‐based interventions resulted in similar weight regain when compared with minimum interventions (ES = −0.07 kg; 95% CI = [−0.57, 0.42]; p = 0.770). However, when compared with in‐person interventions, technology‐based interventions were found to lead in significantly higher weight regain (ES = 1.36 kg; 95% CI = [0.29, 2.43]; p = 0.010).ConclusionWeb‐ and app‐based interventions for weight loss maintenance produced similar results with minimum interventions and resulted in greater weight regain compared with in‐person interventions. Appropriate interventions for weight loss maintenance provide benefits against weight regain, only when provided in‐person.
ID of social networking media on the eating habits young ID The effect of gut microbiota development of obesity: knowledge and in Greece ID 7: Study on the influence of the ingredients in the packaging in consumers’ perceptions for processed food ID 8: The role of MitoQ-a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant in insulin resistance of Changes in of the first COVID-19 Greece. The Mediterranean diet as a feeding protocol COVID19 habits ID 50: Evaluate the information of people with type 2 diabetes about their disease and investigate their information about the nutritional recommendations required ID 51: Quercetin: a molecule with great biochemical, clinical and nutritional value ID 52: Nutritional assessment using image annotation: evaluation of snack eating habits in school age children in Northern Greece ID 53: Rice Bran Oil Protects from Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Under a High Fat Diet in Rats ID 54: Towards a framework for the evaluation of Automatic Image-Based Dietary applications ID 55: Clinical application of the Food Compass Score: Relation to Mediterranean Diet Score, ID ID 64: ID 65: Evaluation of the effect of intermittent fasting on human health and well-being indicators ID 66: Gender related prevalence, knowledge, and attitudes of Greek consumers towards dietary supplements attitudes of towards Nutrigenetic knowledge and attitude of the Greek public activity Bibliometrics in Nutrition Informatics Effect of periodic religious fasting on body composition and nutrient intake in menopausal women
Obesity and diabetes rates have been rising to epidemic levels during the last decade, especially among young populations. Recommendations for clinicians and primary healthcare providers concerning the improvement of childhood nutrition and the healthcare of childhood nutrition-related diseases are of major interest. Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) of the most updated evidence-based recommendations are useful tools that help clinicians in their practice. However, a gap has been observed between the suggested CPGs and their implementation in the context of everyday clinical practice. This could be merely attributed to the text format that is usually presented. In this review article, all the CPGs about the best dietary advice regarding energy and macronutrient intake in childhood and the most common chronic nutrition-related childhood diseases, i.e., obesity, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus type 1 and 2, are summarized and visualized in an algorithmic format and practical examples are given. This could help healthcare providers to achieve a higher adoption rate of CPGs in clinical practice, thus, resulting in better management of children’s health and improved clinical outcomes. Keywords: nutrition, guidelines, algorithm, children.
(1) Background: Media play a significant role in forming audience perceptions about physical external appearance and food consumption patterns. It has been reported that children’s cartoons project slimness, and concomitantly consumption of poor nutritional quality food. However, data on the role of gender in this respect are lacking; thus, this was the aim of the present study. (2) Methods: 100 episodes of the 10 most popular cartoon series were analyzed. Characters’ body weight status was classified into underweight, normal weight and overweight, and foods consumed as core (e.g., fruit, vegetables) and non-core (e.g., sweets, snacks). Messages about characters’ attractiveness were recorded and classified according to their body weight status and gender. (3) Results: Out of 37 protagonists, 12 were female figures (32%), while out of the 10 thin protagonists, 7 were females (70%) and only 3 males (30%). Thin heroines were the recipients of the majority of the messages connotative to physical attractiveness (36 out of 58 messages). However, consumption of core and non-core foods did not differ within genders (core: z = −1.526, p = 0.127, non-core: z = −0.417, p = 0.667). (4) Conclusions: Females seem to be underrepresented in cartoon series but receive the majority of the comments related to physical appearance, with most of them addressing the attractiveness of a thin figure.