Effects of Intermittent Dietary Restriction on Cardiometabolic Risk in School-aged Children

This randomized trial aims to evaluate the health-promoting effects of intermittent dietary restrictions, including intermittent low-carbohydrate diet (ILCD) and calorie restriction (ICR), in school-aged children with cardiometabolic risk (CMR) compared with general health education based on dietary and physical activity guidelines for Chinese children.

Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 7-18 years at baseline. * At least one of the following cardio-metabolic abnormalities: 1. Prediabetes (Impaired fasting glucose: 5.6 ≤ fasting blood glucose level ≤ 6.9 mmol/L; or Impaired glucose tolerance: 7.8 ≤ blood glucose level after 2 hours postprandial ≤ 11.0 mmol/L). 2. Lipid abnormalities (High-density lipoprotein cholesterol ≤ 1.04 mmol/L; or Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ≥ 3.37 mmol/L; or Triglycerides ≥ 1.70 mmol/L, or Total cholesterol ≥ 5.18 mmol/L). 3. Elevated blood pressure (Systolic/diastolic blood pressure consistently higher than the 90th percentile for gender, age, and height; or systolic/diastolic blood pressure ≥ 120/80 mmHg). Exclusion Criteria: * Previously diagnosed with heart failure, severe malnutrition, immune deficiency, liver or kidney disease, cancer, or other diseases deemed unsuitable for participation. * Had a history of bariatric surgery. * Used weight loss pills or supplements in the last three months. * Other situations unsuitable for participation.