Child and Adolescent Health Programs in Obesity and Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Public Health
• Mental Health Research
• Obesity Management

Background:

• Obesity and depression are significant global public health concerns in children and adolescents.
• A bidirectional relationship exists between obesity and depression, where each condition can influence the other.
• Evaluating intervention programs addressing both obesity and depressive symptoms in youth is crucial.

Approach:

• A systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines were conducted.
• Publications reporting on intervention programs for obesity and depression in children and adolescents (6-18 years) were systematically searched and selected.
• Bias in the selected studies was assessed using ROB-2 and ROBINS-1 tools.

Key Points:

• Eight studies met inclusion criteria, evaluating various intervention programs for obesity and depression.
• Programs demonstrated changes in reducing Body Mass Index (BMI) and depressive symptoms.
• Evidence for programs addressing both conditions is limited, especially in developing countries, with high heterogeneity and risk of bias observed.

Conclusions:

• Obesity management programs yield statistically significant improvements in depressive symptoms.
• Heterogeneity in program design and long-term follow-up strategies necessitates standardization.
• A multidimensional approach, incorporating socio-emotional and psychological factors with early intervention, is vital for enhancing quality of life.