Umbrella review of systematic reviews to inform the development and translation of community-based childhood obesity prevention interventions

Community-based interventions (CBIs) can be effective and feasible for the prevention of childhood obesity. The aim of this umbrella review is to determine if systematic reviews report sufficient information to guide replication or adaptation of CBIs to a variety of contexts and aid in further development of childhood obesity prevention CBIs. Six databases were searched for systematic reviews including obesity prevention CBIs involving 0–18 year olds and reporting weight-related outcomes. Two researchers screened results. Evidence-to-decision frameworks guided which details may be required for decision-makers to design and carry-out a CBI, including information on intervention characteristics, outcome reporting and translation factors. From 3935 search results, 40 studies were included. The most frequently reported relevant pieces of information were behaviors targeted (100% of systematic reviews), intervention duration (90%) and settings involved (97.5%). Less frequently reported factors included specific actions implemented (48%), intervention intensity (30%) and organizations, or contributors involved (40%). There was a low level of reporting of equity considerations (27.5%), adverse events (20%), and costs/cost-effectiveness (17.5%). Multilevel interventions for child obesity prevention have demonstrated effectiveness, yet additional documentation of successful intervention processes is needed.