Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41683218›Full record

SynthesisNutrients2026

Nutrition Assistance Programs and Pediatric Weight Outcomes: A Systematic Review.

Dan Ferris, Genevieve Davison, Tyler Frank, Amanda Gilbert, Fanice Thomas, Sydney Rothman, Kim Lipsey, Sarah Moreland-Russell

Abstract readSystematic ReviewReview
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Nutrients, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

Dan FerrisBrown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA.ORCID 0000-0003-2109-4483
Genevieve DavisonDepartment of Psychiatry, Center for Healthy Weight and Wellness, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.ORCID 0000-0002-5322-6930
Tyler FrankSchool of Public Health, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA.ORCID 0000-0003-1878-423X
Amanda GilbertSchool of Public Health, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA.ORCID 0000-0001-6948-0127
Fanice ThomasBrown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA.ORCID 0000-0001-6632-1542
Sydney RothmanBrown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA.
Kim LipseyBernard Becker Medical Library, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
Sarah Moreland-RussellSchool of Public Health, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA.ORCID 0000-0002-9204-4654

Funding

Washington University Center for Diabetes Translation Research P30DK092950 · NIDDK · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · PI Ross C Brownson, Debra Haire-Joshu · 2011 to 2026
$11.7M
NIDDK NIH HHS P30 DK092950
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

BACKGROUND/

objectivesFood insecurity and pediatric obesity have increased concurrently in the U.S., raising questions about the role of Federal Nutrition Assistance Programs (FNAPs) in shaping weight outcomes. This systematic review examined evidence on relationships between FNAP participation and pediatric weight outcomes.

methodsSix databases were searched for U.S.-based, peer-reviewed studies published through July 2024 that assessed FNAP participation and pediatric weight outcomes.

resultsSeventy-five studies met the inclusion criteria, and no consistent pattern indicated that any single FNAP or program type (educational setting-based or direct financial support) reliably reduced or increased childhood overweight or obesity risk. Twenty studies found statistically significant beneficial relationships between FNAP participation and pediatric weight outcomes. Most studies reported mixed findings (

conclusionsThe findings indicate a complex non-causal relationship between FNAP participation and weight that varies across populations, programs, and study designs. Overall, evidence does not support broad adverse weight effects of FNAPs, and policy changes that strengthen nutrition standards may contribute to healthier weight outcomes. These findings have implications for nutrition policy, program design, and future research.

Indexed as

Body WeightFood AssistancePediatric ObesityChildFemaleFood InsecurityHumansMaleUnited Statesbody mass indexfood securitynutrition assistance programspediatric obesitypolicy interventionsschool meals

Identifiers

PMID41683218
PMCPMC12899245

What OpenQuestion holds

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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.