[Clinical interventions in overweight and obesity: a systematic literature review 2009-2014]

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Public Health
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern.
• Clinical Practice Guidelines recommend interventions but require updated evidence.
• Exclusion of preventative, pharmacological, and surgical treatments focuses the review on established clinical approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct an updated literature review on the effectiveness of clinical interventions for childhood obesity.
• To identify key components of successful interventions based on existing evidence.
• To inform clinical practice and guideline development for childhood obesity management.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of electronic databases (Cochrane, MEDLINE, SCOPUS) from 2009-2014.
• Reference to National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Clinical Practice Guidelines.
• Prioritization of systematic reviews and quality assessment of included studies.

Main Results:

• 48 studies were included from 3,703 initial documents.
• High heterogeneity observed in intervention types, duration, and outcome measures.
• Multi-component interventions (diet, physical activity, behavior change, family involvement, early age initiation) showed effectiveness in reducing body mass index.
• Low adherence to treatment was a common challenge.

Conclusions:

• Multi-component programs led by trained professionals, involving families, and addressing diverse aspects are recommended.
• Lack of adherence significantly impacts intervention success.
• Standardization of diagnostic/referral criteria, outcome measures, and intervention parameters is needed.