Background:
The current obesogenic environment with relatively increased affordability
and availability of high calorie food and beverages, has led to an alarming increase in the prevalence
of obesity and related lifestyle disorders in children and adolescents, predisposing them to accelerated
aging. The increased prevalence may be due to the eating behavior of adolescents, their genetic
and molecular etiology and/or due to the impact of psychological stress and their wrong lifestyle
choices. Calorie restriction has been extensively researched for reducing the obesity in adolescents
and adults but is yet to be successfully implemented.
Objective:
The present review paper focuses on the types of calorie restriction diets, the role of its
mimics and the nutrigenomic mechanisms that may be helpful in reducing obesity and related disorders
in the adolescents. The role of behavioral therapeutic techniques and physical activity has also
been highlighted in addition to the calorie restricted diet for bringing about an overall lifestyle modification
in the management of obesity.
Conclusion:
Food preferences are acquired in childhood and sound nutritional practices should be
established in childhood to prevent lifestyle disorders and premature aging. Though CR is a known
and preferred non-pharmacological intervention in the management of obesity, its implemention has
not been explored and evaluated extensively. This is a vital area that needs scientific research as the
goals of obesity managements are no longer just weight loss through dietary restrictions. An interdisciplinary
method to lifestyle modification in the management of adolescent obesity addressing all
physiological and psychosocial aspects is recommended.