Interventions to Treat Obesity in Mexican Children and Adolescents: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Abstract

ContextPrevalence of overweight and obesity has been rising in the past 3 decades among Mexican children and adolescents.ObjectiveTo systematically review experimental studies evaluating interventions to treat obesity in Mexican children and adolescents (≤18 years old).Data SourcesFor this study, 13 databases and 1 search engine were searched.Data AnalysisA total of 29 studies met the inclusion criteria. Overall, 2302 participants (age range, 8–16 years) from 11 states in Mexico were included. Most of the studies (n = 17 of 29) were provided in a clinical setting. A random-effect meta-analysis of 4 randomized controlled trials was conducted and a significant effect was found on body mass index reduction that favored the intervention group (−1.52; 95%CI, −2.15 to −0.89) for short-term (≤6 mo) interventions.ConclusionsA multicomponent, multidisciplinary, and individualized intervention that includes dietary modifications, physical activity practice, behavioral strategies, and active parental involvement might help treat childhood obesity in Mexico. However, long-term results need to be produced to identify effectiveness pointers that might help establish an integrated, long-lasting care model to treat obesity.