The effectiveness of school-based obesity prevention interventions on psychosocial and educative outcomes in children aged 6-18 years: a secondary data analysis

Background Childhood obesity remains a global public health priority. The two main risk behaviours for obesity, poor diet and physical inactivity, are both often targeted for obesity prevention. These risk behaviours may also influence other psychosocial and educative outcomes; however, few studies have examined the extent to which interventions targeting obesity also impact on these outcomes. This review aims to synthesise the effects of school-based child obesity prevention interventions on psychosocial and educative outcomes. Methods A secondary data analysis of an existing systematic review of childhood obesity prevention interventions was conducted. Additional literature searches identified studies published between 1990 and 2023 associated with the originally included studies. Studies were eligible if they reported any psychosocial or educative outcomes. Outcome data at follow-up were extracted. Where possible, meta-analysis was conducted to calculate standardised mean differences (SMD), otherwise narrative synthesis was conducted. Results Thirty-two studies were eligible for inclusion. The following psychosocial outcomes were meta-analysed: quality of life (SMD 0.05; 95% CI (0.01, 0.1)), wellbeing (SMD 0.14; 95% CI (-0.03, 0.3)), self-esteem (SMD 0.07; 95% CI (-0.06, 0.19)), self-worth (SMD 1.12; 95% CI (-3.41, 5.64)), and body satisfaction (SMD -0.06; 95% CI (-0.23, 0.11)). The following educative outcomes were meta-analysed: overall academic attainment (SMD 0.82; 95% CI (-1.02, 2.66)), maths (SMD 0; 95% CI (-0.02, 0.02)) and reading (SMD 0.1; 95% CI (-0.18, 0.39)). Conclusion School-based obesity prevention interventions may have small benefits for childrens psychosocial outcomes however findings for educative outcomes remain uncertain; further research is needed to clarify and strengthen this finding.