Interventions for preventing obesity in children.
BACKGROUND
The prevalence of obesity and overweight is increasing world-wide. Obesity in children impacts on their health in both the short and longer term. Obesity prevention strategies are poorly understood.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the effectiveness of interventions designed to prevent obesity in childhood.


METHODS
Electronic databases were searched from 1985 to October 1999.


METHODS
Data from RCTs and non-randomised trials with concurrent control group were included. studies with follow up of one year minimum were selected, A priori, this was subsequently amended to include studies with minimum follow up of three months. The possible susceptibility of post hoc questions to bias is addressed.


METHODS
Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed study quality.


RESULTS
Seven studies were included, three long-term and four short- term. The studies included were diverse in terms of study design and quality, target population, theoretical underpinning of intervention approach, and outcome measures. As such, it was not possible to combine study findings using statistical methods.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings of the review suggest that currently there is limited quality data on the effectiveness of obesity prevention programs and as such no generalisable conclusions can be drawn. The need for well-designed studies which examine a range of interventions remains a priority.
Campbell
K
K
School of Health Sciences, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Australia, 3125. kcamp@deakin.edu.au
Waters
E
E
O'Meara
S
S
Summerbell
C
C
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004032:Diet; D015444:Exercise; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016896:Treatment Outcome