Effects of parental-involved physical activity and nutrition interventions for young adolescents aged 10-13 years: a meta-analysis

Obesity is a major health problem among young adolescents (ages 10-13), placing them at risk for chronic conditions. Promoting physical activity (PA) and healthy eating are recommended to mitigate the problem. However, many young adolescents must rely on their parents to assist them in attaining adequate PA and nutrition. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effects of parental-involved PA and nutrition interventions on improving body mass index (BMI), moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), percent body fat, and waist circumference among young adolescents.

In January 2023, a comprehensive literature search for studies published from inception to 2023 (no date limits) was conducted using the CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), PubMed, Cochrane, PsycINFO, ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center), Sociological Abstracts, SportDiscus, and Web of Science databases. Randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies with a control group that tested parental-involved PA and nutrition interventions and included young adolescents were identified for inclusion. Five independent reviewers screened 11,153 titles/abstracts, while 6 independent reviewers screened 109 full texts. Hedges' g was calculated using random effects modeling. Results of the meta-analysis were reported following PRISMA guidelines. Comprehensive meta-analysis software was used to perform exploratory moderation analyses.

Twenty-seven reports describing 19 studies published from 2004 to 2023 were included in this review, which was conducted from 2023 to 2024. A total of 6,582 young adolescents participated in these interventions. Pooled effect sizes for improving the outcomes were estimated: BMI (g = - 0.30), MVPA (g = 0.31), percent body fat (g = - 0.37), and waist circumference (g = - 0.34). Follow-up effects were very small for BMI (g = - 0.07). Treatment-based (treatment, clinic-based, clinician-delivered), as opposed to prevention-based interventions, yielded greater effects on reducing BMI, percent body fat, and waist circumference.

Parental-involved PA and nutrition interventions have potential to reduce BMI and improve other weight-related health outcomes. Caution is advised when interpreting the results because of some presence of publication bias in parental BMI and the high heterogeneity in BMI and waist circumference. Despite some limitations, this study provides an important foundation for continued research.