Evidence for the effectiveness of different school-based programs in the management of childhood obesity: a systematic review.

Abstract

Review Objectives: The objective of this review is to evaluate the evidence for the effectiveness of school-based programs in the prevention and management of childhood obesity with respect to measures of fatness (overweight/obesity) (body mass index, percentage body fat, waist circumference). Inclusion Criteria for considering studies for this review: Types of Participants: The review will consider studies that include school children of any nationality who are overweight and obese, in pre-adolescent or adolescent phase, with fatness classified by age and sex specific cut-off points system developed by the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF), or by country-specific norms. Types of interventions: The intervention can consist of any intervention that increases physical activity, improves diet, or modifies poor exercise or dietary behaviors, or a combination of the three. Specifically, these interventions will be delivered in a school-based program, with the aim of addressing overweight and/or obese children as the target population. Types of Outcome Measures: The outcome measures which are usual estimates of overweight and obesity are body mass index; weight (preferably in kilos); waist circumference and percentage of body fat. Outcomes will be considered with respect to short-term and long-term results. For the purpose of the review, short-term outcomes will consist of those outcome measures that are evaluated immediately after completion of an intervention, while long-term outcomes will be those assessed at least six months after initiation of the intervention program.