AUTHOR=Zhao Feng , Wang Yudan , Liu Zhaoyi , Wang Jiao , Xia Yinyin , Jiang Xuejun , Zhou Lixiao , Khan Ahmad , Cheng Shuqun , Zou Zhen , Chen Chengzhi , Qiu Jingfu TITLE=Association between protein-to-energy ratio and overweight/obesity in children and adolescents in the United States: a cross-sectional study based on NHANES JOURNAL=Frontiers in Pediatrics VOLUME=12 YEAR=2024 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pediatrics/articles/10.3389/fped.2024.1383602 DOI=10.3389/fped.2024.1383602 ISSN=2296-2360 ABSTRACT=Background

The dietary protein proportion may be crucial in triggering overweight and obesity among children and adolescents.

Methods

Cross-sectional data from 4,336 children and adolescents who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES) between 2011 and March 2020 were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Restricted cubic splines assessed the nonlinear relationships between dietary protein intake and the prevalence of overweight and obesity.

Results

Adjusted logistic regression models showed that each 1% increase in dietary protein proportion was associated with a 4% higher risk of overweight and obesity (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01–1.07). A nonlinear relationship was noted in children aged 6–11 years (P < 0.05), as demonstrated by restricted cubic spline analysis. After dividing dietary protein intake into quartiles, the highest quartile had an adjusted OR of 2.07 (95% CI: 1.35, 3.16, P = 0.001) compared to the lowest, among children aged 6–11 years.

Conclusion

Dietary protein intake is positively linked to overweight and obesity in American children, irrespective of individual characteristics and total energy consumption.