Effectiveness of theory-based physical activity interventions in preventing childhood obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Pooled result · BMI outcomesResult — go to the resultSMD −0.12 95% CI −0.19 to −0.04Authors' conclusion
These findings indicate that theory-based PAIs are associated with meaningful benefits in preventing and managing childhood obesity.
Study context
- Population
- Children and adolescents (childhood obesity); literature from inception to June 2025, five databases24 studies
- Comparison
- Theory-based physical activity interventions vs control
- Outcome
- Body mass index (BMI) and BMI z-score
Methodological detailsrandom-effects models, Cochrane RoB 2 risk of bias, subgroup and sensitivity analyses, Overall methodological quality of included studies generally moderate
- Random-effects models
- Cochrane RoB 2 risk of bias
- Subgroup and sensitivity analyses
- Overall methodological quality of included studies generally moderate
Pooled result
BMI outcomes
SMD
−0.12
95% CI −0.19 to −0.04
P = 0.002
Theory-based physical activity interventions (PAIs)vs control
SMD −0.12 (95% CI −0.19 to −0.04); P = 0.002
As reported in the abstract
Further pooled results
Subgroup analyses (theory type, age, intervention duration, family engagement)
- Younger age, shorter duration, deeper family engagement roles and cognitive behavioral theory may have more positive effects
Original publication
Effectiveness of theory-based physical activity interventions in preventing childhood obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Obes (Lond). Published 15 October 2025. doi:10.
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