Effects of intervention programs on child and adolescent BMI: A meta-analysis study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Pediatrics
• Obesity Prevention

Background:

• Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern.
• Intervention programs are crucial for managing body mass index (BMI) in youth.
• Understanding program efficacy and moderating factors is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of school-based and after-school interventions on children's and adolescents' BMIs.
• To identify moderating variables influencing intervention outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Meta-analysis of 52 studies published between 2000 and 2011.
• Involved a total of 28,236 participants.
• Analyzed effect sizes and moderating factors.

Main Results:

• Overall effect size was 0.068 (P < .001), indicating a positive impact.
• Programs for adolescents aged 15-19 years showed the highest efficacy (r = .133).
• Combined physical activity and nutritional education yielded significant results (r = .148), as did increased parental involvement.

Conclusions:

• Intervention programs demonstrate a low but positive effect on preventing and reducing childhood obesity.
• Optimal outcomes are observed in older children, with combined physical activity and nutrition education, parental participation, and a 1-year duration.
• School and after-school programs exhibit similar effectiveness.