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Interventions for preventing obesity in children
C D Summerbell1, E Waters, L D Edmunds
1School of Health and Social Care, University of Teesside, Parkside West, Middlesbrough, Teesside, UK, TS1 3BA. carolyn.summerbell@tees.ac.uk
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|July 22, 2005
Summary
Childhood obesity prevention strategies show limited effectiveness, with combined diet and physical activity interventions rarely improving BMI. Some single-focus interventions on diet or physical activity had minor positive impacts on BMI status.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Childhood obesity is a global public health concern with increasing prevalence.
- Existing obesity prevention strategies for children can modify behavior, but their effectiveness in preventing obesity is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of interventions aimed at preventing childhood obesity.
- Interventions considered included those focused on diet, physical activity, lifestyle, and social support.
Main Methods:
- Searched multiple databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, CINAHL, CENTRAL) from 1990 to February 2005.
- Included randomized controlled trials and controlled clinical trials with a minimum duration of twelve weeks.
- Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed study quality.
Main Results:
- Twenty-two studies were included, with nineteen school/preschool-based interventions.
- Long-term combined diet and physical activity interventions showed mixed results, with one study improving outcomes for girls only.
- Interventions focusing solely on physical activity showed some promise, while nutrition education alone was ineffective. Short-term combined interventions had no significant impact.
Conclusions:
- Most studies were short-term, and combined diet and physical activity interventions did not significantly improve Body Mass Index (BMI).
- Some interventions focusing on diet or physical activity alone demonstrated a small positive impact on BMI status.
- Reconsideration of intervention design, duration, and intensity is needed, along with comprehensive reporting.