[Clinical interventions in overweight and obesity: a systematic literature review 2009-2014]

Abstract

Objective: To update the literature review on the effectiveness of clinical interventions on childhood obesity, proposed in Clinical Practice Guidelines, excluding prevention and pharmacological and surgical treatments.

Method: A systematic review was carried out in electronic databases of the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (The Cochrane Library), MEDLINE, and SCOPUS, replicating the search for the Clinical Practice Guidelines, from 2009 to 2014. The Clinical Practice Guidelines of National Institute for Health and Care Excellence were taken as a reference. Systematic reviews were given priority, and the quality of the studies was assessed.

Results: Out of a total of 3,703 documents initially identified, 48 were finally included. Studies showed great heterogeneity in the type and duration of interventions, and in outcome measures. Adherence to treatment was, in general, low. Multi-component interventions including diet, physical activity, sedentary lifestyle, and behaviour changes, involving the family, and starting at early ages, were the most effective for reducing body mass index. There is no consensus on criteria for referral to specialised care.

Conclusions: It is recommended to implement multi-component programs conducted by professionals with previous training, involving the family, and addressing behavioural, individual and socio-demographic aspects. Lack of adherence is one of the reasons for failure of interventions. Diagnostic and referral criteria, the outcome measures, and the type and duration of interventions need to be improved and standardised.

Keywords: Atención primaria; Intervención multicomponente; Multicomponent intervention; Obesidad; Obesity; Overweight; Paediatric; Pediatría; Primary Care; Revisión sistemática; Sobrepeso; Systematic review.