Interventions for Childhood Central Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors' conclusion
In this meta-analysis of RCTs, combining dietary changes with physical activity, as well as using behavioral strategies alone, were associated with reduced central obesity in children from high- and middle-income countries. Findings from this study have policy implications for Sustainable Development Goals of ending all forms of malnutrition and reducing premature mortality from noncommunicable diseases.
Study context
- Population
- Children aged 5 to 18 years with overweight or obesity at baseline
- Participants
- 8,183 children34 randomized clinical trials (RCTs)
- Comparison
- Lifestyle, behavioral and pharmacological interventions vs control for childhood central obesity
- Outcome
- Childhood central obesity measured using WC, waist-to-height ratio, waist-to-hip ratio and WC z score
Methodological detailsrandom-effects meta-analysis, PRISMA, RoB 2.0, sensitivity analysis, meta-regression and subgroup analyses, Risk of bias: 12 studies low, 8 higher
- Random-effects meta-analysis
- PRISMA
- RoB 2.0
- Sensitivity analysis, meta-regression and subgroup analyses
- Risk of bias: 12 studies low, 8 higher
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
WC
SMD (95% CI)
Diet + physical activity2 RCTs
−0.38(−0.58 to −0.19)
Behavioral interventions5 RCTs
−0.54(−1.06 to −0.03)
Original publication
Interventions for Childhood Central Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JAMA Netw Open. Published 1 April 2025. doi:10.
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