A Review of Primary Care-Based Childhood Obesity Prevention and Treatment Interventions

Area of Science:

• Pediatric primary care
• Obesity interventions
• Public health

Background:

• Childhood obesity is a significant public health concern requiring effective interventions.
• Pediatric primary care settings offer a promising venue for implementing obesity prevention and treatment strategies.
• A growing body of research explores obesity interventions within pediatric primary care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of obesity interventions conducted in pediatric primary care settings.
• To identify characteristics of effective pediatric primary care-based obesity interventions.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted across three databases.
• Publications were screened via abstract and full-text review, identifying relevant RCTs.
• Forty-eight publications, representing 31 distinct studies, were included in the final review.

Main Results:

• Eight studies reported significant positive effects on child weight outcomes, such as Body Mass Index (BMI) z-score.
• Effective interventions were primarily treatment-focused, encompassing multiple behavioral changes.
• Key components of successful interventions included weight management strategies and monitoring of weight-related behaviors (diet, physical activity, sedentary behavior).

Conclusions:

• Pediatric primary care-based obesity interventions demonstrate modest but significant efficacy, particularly for treatment.
• Multi-behavioral approaches and integrated weight management are crucial for successful childhood obesity interventions in primary care.
• Further research can build upon these findings to optimize pediatric obesity care within primary settings.