Physical Health and the Way towards It

Article 1: Prevention of Childhood Obesity

Summary

Childhood obesity is the cause of many problems in different sectors (e. g. social, psychological, health) and is linked to obesity and poor health outcomes later in life. In this systematic review, 55 international studies were conducted which looked at programs to improve physical activity and nutrition. 

Although many programs improved children's physical activity and/ or nutrition to some extent, only a few programs showed an effect on children's obesity levels.

After combining the studies' results, the researchers saw that the programs made a positive difference. However, there was much unexplained variation between the study findings. This could be due to the fact that there is a bias due to missing small studies with negative findings.

Only a few studies looked at results that may be harmful for children (e. g. level of underweight, unhealthy diets). 

It is important to develop ways to ensure that research findings benefit all children by embedding successful program activities into everyday practices among different settings.

(Note: The information above contains parts of the article's abstract)

Article

In the following link you can find the full article:

  Waters, E. & de Silva-Sanigorski, A. & Burford, B.J. & Brown, T, & Campbell, K.J. & Gao, Y. & Armstrong, R. & Prosser, L & Summerbell, C. D. (2011). Interventions for preventing obesity in children. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews: 12 (CD001871).


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