Effectiveness of parent-centred interventions for the prevention and treatment of childhood overweight and obesity in community settings: A Systematic Review.

Abstract

Review Question/ Objective The objective of this review is to identify the effectiveness of parent-centred interventions implemented in the community setting, in modifying eating and physical activity behaviours or weight-related outcomes of children. Criteria for inclusion Types of Participants This review will consider studies that include children of pre-school, primary and secondary school age and/or their parents aged >18 years. Types of interventions Interventions of interest are implemented in a community setting including, but not limited to; pre-schools (outside of curriculum), schools (non-curricular, before- and after-school), home based community centres and community camps, with an aim of improving eating and physical activity behaviours and/ or overweight/obesity outcome measures. Interventions conducted at pre-schools and schools must be conducted outside of those school curriculums and must be resourced separately. Types of Outcomes This review will consider studies that include the following outcome measures for children and / or their parents: i) Overweight/obesity related outcomes: weight (kg), % body weight lost, BMI, waist circumference (cm) ii) Eating behaviour outcomes: fruit and vegetable intake, macronutrient composition (eg fat intake per day), core food groups, diet quality iii) Physical activity behaviour outcomes: steps per day, time spent in activity, energy expenditure iv) Sedentary behaviour outcomes and constructs: Time spent in non-educational, small screen recreation (eg TV, computer, hand held electronic games.)