Systematic review and meta-analysis of comprehensive behavioral family lifestyle interventions addressing pediatric obesity.
OBJECTIVE
To conduct a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials examining the efficacy of comprehensive behavioral family lifestyle interventions (CBFLI) for pediatric obesity.


METHODS
Common research databases were searched for articles through April 1, 2013. 20 different studies (42 effect sizes and 1,671 participants) met inclusion criteria. Risk of bias assessment and rating of quality of the evidence were conducted.


RESULTS
The overall effect size for CBFLIs as compared with passive control groups over all time points was statistically significant (Hedge's g = 0.473, 95% confidence interval [.362, .584]) and suggestive of a small effect size. Duration of treatment, number of treatment sessions, the amount of time in treatment, child age, format of therapy (individual vs. group), form of contact, and study use of intent to treat analysis were all statistically significant moderators of effect size.


CONCLUSIONS
CBFLIs demonstrated efficacy for improving weight outcomes in youths who are overweight or obese.
Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida and Clinical Child Psychology Program, University of Kansas djanicke@phhp.ufl.edu.
David M
DM
Janicke
Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida and Clinical Child Psychology Program, University of Kansas.
Ric G
RG
Steele
Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida and Clinical Child Psychology Program, University of Kansas.
Laurie A
LA
Gayes
Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida and Clinical Child Psychology Program, University of Kansas.
Crystal S
CS
Lim
Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida and Clinical Child Psychology Program, University of Kansas.
Lisa M
LM
Clifford
Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida and Clinical Child Psychology Program, University of Kansas.
Elizabeth M
EM
Schneider
Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida and Clinical Child Psychology Program, University of Kansas.
Julia K
JK
Carmody
Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida and Clinical Child Psychology Program, University of Kansas.
Sarah
S
Westen
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D001835:Body Weight; D002648:Child; D005196:Family Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D063766:Pediatric Obesity / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*
children; intervention outcome; meta-analysis; obesity