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Family-based models for childhood-obesity intervention: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

P Sung-Chan1, Y W Sung, X Zhao

  • 1Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China. Pauline.Sung@inet.polyu.edu.hk

Obesity Reviews : an Official Journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity
|November 10, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Family-based interventions show promise for childhood obesity, with behavior theory-rooted approaches yielding better short-term results. Future research should enhance methodological design and explore family systems theory further.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic requiring effective interventions.
  • Family-based approaches have emerged as a preferred intervention strategy over the past 35 years.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the methodological rigor of family-based interventions for childhood obesity.
  • To assess the treatment effectiveness of these interventions based on type and theoretical orientation.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic review of 15 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving children and adolescents aged 2-19 years.
  • Methodological quality was assessed using the adapted Methodological Quality Rating Scales (MQRS).
  • Treatment effectiveness was evaluated using a four-grade qualitative scoring scheme.

Main Results:

  • The average MQRS score was 7.93 out of 14, indicating moderate methodological rigor.
  • Ten out of 15 RCTs demonstrated alignment between research questions and methods.
  • Overall short-term outcomes were satisfactory, with an average effectiveness score of 3.1.

Conclusions:

  • Family-based interventions rooted in behavior theory demonstrated superior treatment effectiveness compared to those based on family systems theory.
  • Future research should focus on improving methodological design in family-based interventions.
  • Further exploration of the family systems approach is recommended to enhance treatment outcomes.

Keywords:
Behavioural therapydietfamily therapyfamily‐based interventionobesityoverweightphysical activityyouth

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