Impact of child summertime obesity interventions on body mass index and weight-related behaviors: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity during childhood is a critical public health issue. The summer break from school is a time when children are prone to accelerated weight gain. We aimed to investigate how obesity prevention or treatment programs implemented over the summer affect anthropometric measures or weight-related behaviors.

Methods: Published studies examining the impact of obesity prevention/treatment interventions targeting the summer with anthropometric or weight-related behaviors in children (5-18 years old) were identified using systematic searches of Medline, Cochrane, Scopus, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and EMBASE until April 2024. The summarized effect estimate was computed by applying the random-effects approach. The evidence certainty was assessed using GRADE.

Results: Forty-seven studies were identified for inclusion. The majority of studies identified focused on physical activity and dietary habits. Only six studies that examined the effects of prevention interventions on weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC) were meta-analyzed. There was no evidence that prevention interventions impacted children's weight, BMI, and WC. However, most of the studies included in the systematic review indicated beneficial effects of interventions for anthropometric measures.

Conclusion: There was no evidence that summertime obesity interventions targeting physical activity and dietary intake were effective in the prevention of obesity in children.