Managing pediatric metabolic syndrome: a systematic review of current approaches.

Background: There are various pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches in the management and treatment of metabolic syndrome (MetS). We aimed to systematically review the effect of different approaches in the management of pediatric MetS.

Methods: A systematic search was conducted in Medline, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar up to April 15, 2025. All interventional that had assessed the effects of lifestyle modifications in terms of changes in dietary habits, increased physical activity, and pharmacological interventions in the management of pediatrics MetS were included.

Results: Among 1701 records found in the databases, 31 articles were included. Lifestyle modification, physical exercise, and dietary habits alteration were the commonest effective approaches in modulating MetS. The Mediterranean and DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diets improved the metabolic profile of MetS and reduced its prevalence. Metformin was the most frequently prescribed medication that was prescribed for pediatric MetS. However, its efficacy alone in comparison to lifestyle modifications remains to be determined. The effect of omega-3 supplements on the metabolic profile of MetS cases was inconsistent, but vitamin D supplementation was shown to have some favorable effects. Natural products such as fermented camel milk, grape juice, and pomegranate juice did not show any significant improvement in pediatric MetS.

Conclusion: Multidisciplinary lifestyle modification is considered the first recommendation for the prevention and management of MetS in childhood. Metformin can be an effective adjuvant therapy to lifestyle modifications in some cases of MetS, especially in children with other comorbidities.

Trial code: CRD42024502835.