The Effects of Kefir on Pediatric Obesity

Kefir, a traditional fermented dairy product in the North Caucasus region, is produced through the fermentation of milk by lactic acid bacteria and yeast. In murine studies, it has been observed that consumption of kefir by obese mice resulted in significantly reduced body weight compared to non-kefir-consuming obese mice. Furthermore, insulin resistance and fatty liver conditions showed improvement in the kefir-fed obese mice. Kefir was found to have its effects on obesity-related conditions through the inhibition of lipid synthesis, stimulation of fatty acid oxidation, elevation of basal metabolic rate, and modulation of oxidative damage.

Obesity has emerged as a global epidemic, and its prevalence in pediatric population is rapidly increasing. Obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) above the 95th percentile for the age. According to statistics from the Health Promotion Administration in Taiwan, the prevalence of obesity among elementary and junior high school students in 2021 was 27.1% and 31.2%, respectively. This implies that approximately one out of every three to four students is obese. Insulin resistance and fatty liver are two common manifestations of childhood obesity. Insulin resistance is found closely linked to type 2 diabetes. Prolonged and chronic fatty liver can progress to cirrhosis and even hepatocellular carcinoma. Effective management of obesity holds the occurrence of these diseases. The objective of this study is to analyze the potential benefits of incorporating kefir into the diet of obese children regarding the improvement of obesity-related outcomes.