Health and Nutrition Interventions to Prevent Childhood Overweight and Obesity: A Systematic Review

Background Childhood obesity has become a pressing global health challenge. To mitigate its impact and inform effective public health policies, analyzing the efficacy of interventions is crucial. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review of interventions (SRI) targeting school-aged children with obesity. Our goal was to identify the key components that contribute to the success of integrated interventions addressing diet/nutrition (D/N), physical activity (PA), and/or socioemotional skills. Methods: The Cochrane Collaboration methodology and PRISMA statement were followed. The SRI included the following criteria established a priori: studies that addressed obesity in school-aged children, including one or more interventions related to physical activity (PA), diet/nutrition (D/N), or socioemotional skills. Following the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome) framework, we searched six digital databases using relevant keywords and MeSH terms. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was used to assess article quality via "function group string" methods. Finally, a thematic synthesis of SRI findings was conducted. The protocol for this study was registered in PROSPERO: CRD4202454214. Results: Initial screening yielded 127 articles. Following critical appraisal with the MMAT, studies with inadequate methodology, solely descriptive designs, unclear results, or interventions shorter than six months were excluded. Ultimately, 10 studies remained, eight of which included two of the three components of interest (D/N or PA). Conclusions: In this overview plenty of interventions were presented for the prevention of overweight and obesity in school-age children: However, methodological and standardized limitations still exist that hinder the establishment of an effective intervention. Engaging families and teachers as active participants in interventions significantly amplified the effectiveness in both the D/N and PA domains. However, an analysis of current interventions highlights a stark gap in multi-sectoral and integrated approaches to tackling childhood obesity. This presents a remarkable opportunity for future initiatives to move beyond fragmented efforts and embrace a holistic model that unites families, schools, and communities to champion healthy lifestyles.