title: A Systematic Review of Obesity Prevention Intervention Studies among Immigrant Populations in the US.
abstract: The aim of this review was to systematically assess the effectiveness of obesity prevention and control interventions in US immigrant populations across the life course, from preschool-age to adults. A systematic review of relevant studies was undertaken and eligible articles included. The initial search identified 684 potentially relevant articles, of which only 20 articles met the selection criteria, representing 20 unique studies. They were divided into interventions that targeted adults (n=7), interventions that targeted children (n=5) and pilot studies (n=8). The majority of interventions targeted Latinos, predominately Mexican-origin populations. Among the interventions targeting adults, five had an effect on obesity related outcomes. However, they tended to use less rigorous study designs. Among the interventions that targeted children, three had a positive effect on obesity-related outcomes. Three of the eight pilot studies had an effect on obesity-related outcomes. There is a paucity of data on effective interventions but a great need to address obesity prevention to help inform health policies and programs to reduce migration-related obesity inequalities.
authors.affiliation: Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Rhode Island, 112 Ranger Hall, Kingston, RI 02881 USA.
authors.forename: Alison
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tovar
authors.affiliation: Migration, Social Disadvantage, and Health Programs, Global Health and Society Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University; and Centre for International Health, Burnet Institute, Level 3, Burnet Building, 89 Commercial Rd, Melbourne Vic, 3004 Australia.
authors.forename: Andre M N
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Renzaho
authors.affiliation: UCLA Center for Healthier Children, Families, and Communities, 10990 Wilshire Boulevard Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90024 USA.
authors.forename: Alma D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Guerrero
authors.affiliation: Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Rhode Island, 112 Ranger Hall, Kingston, RI 02881 USA.
authors.forename: Noereem
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Mena
authors.affiliation: San Diego State University and the Institute for Behavioral and Community Health, 9245 Sky Park Court, Suite 221, San Diego, CA 92123-4311 USA.
authors.forename: Guadalupe X
authors.initials: GX
authors.lastname: Ayala
keywords: Immigrants; Intervention; Obesity; Prevention; US