Work

The combined effect of dietary live microbe intake and physical activity on overweight or obesity in children and adolescents aged 2–17 years: a cross-sectional study from the NHANES

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Aim: The study aimed to explore the combined effect of dietary live microbe intake and physical activity on overweight or obesity in children and adolescents aged 2-17. Methods: Data of children and adolescents aged 2-17 were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) database in 1999-2020. Dietary live microbe intake was assessed through 24-h dietary recalls and categorized into three levels: low, medium, and high (with "MedHi" referring to the combined medium and high intake groups for analysis). Physical activity level was determined by self-reported using the questionnaire. Overweight and obesity was evaluated using the body mass index-for-age percentile growth charts. Weighted univariate and multivariate logistic models were conducted to explore the associations between dietary live microbe intake, physical activity, and overweight or obesity in children and adolescents. With odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) presented. Results: < 0.001). Specifically, children and adolescent with high live microbe intake and ideal physical activity were related to a lower occurrence of overweight or obesity (OR = 0.65, 95%CI: 0.54-0.77). The expression levels of enterodiol and enterolactone were the highest in the high live microbe intake and ideal physical activity group. CRP expression levels were lowest in high live microbe intake and ideal PA group. Conclusion: Dietary live microbe intake and physical activity has a potential combined effect on overweight or obesity in children and adolescents. Further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm the causal relationships and explore the mechanisms.

Source: Frontiers in Pediatrics

DOI: 10.3389/fped.2025.1653786

Authors: Shanhu Wang, Xiaoli Chen, Yangyang Wu

Institutions: Wenzhou Medical University, Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University

Language: English

Topic: Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801