Promoting a Mediterranean lifestyle to prevent obesity in young children

MEditerranean LIfestyle in Pediatric Obesity Prevention

NA · Universidad de Zaragoza · NCT04597281

This study is testing if teaching young children a Mediterranean diet and encouraging them to be active can help prevent obesity and improve their health over several years.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment738 (estimated)
Ages3 Years to 7 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversidad de Zaragoza (other)
Locations3 sites (Córdoba and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04597281 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial is a randomized controlled multi-centre intervention aimed at children aged 3 to 6 years who are at risk of obesity. It evaluates the effectiveness of a lifestyle intervention that promotes a Mediterranean dietary pattern and regular physical activity compared to a control group receiving standard care. The study will assess the incidence of obesity and related health outcomes over a period of 5 to 10 years, involving 738 children and their families across three cities in Spain. The intervention's impact on body composition, physical fitness, and cardiovascular risk factors will also be monitored annually.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 3 to 6 years with at least one parent having a BMI of 25 or higher.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit include those under 3 or over 7 years old, or from families unable to adhere to the dietary intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce the incidence of obesity and improve overall health in children at risk.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with lifestyle interventions focused on dietary patterns and physical activity in preventing obesity, indicating a potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Children \> 3 years and \< 7 years, with at least one parent having a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, with no disease responsible for the high BMI.
* Children with normal- or over weight, following the IOTF criteria (Cole TJ, Lobstein T. Pediatr Obes 2012; 7: 284-294).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Children \< 3, or \> 7 yearss, or both parents Having BMI \<25 kg/m2.
* Children with chornic diseases or following a therapeutic diet .
* Children from families having dietary habits not fitting with the characteristics of the dietary intervention.
* Children from families having difficulties to follow the protocol.

Where this trial is running

Córdoba and 2 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Obesity, Childhood

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.