Web-based weight management programs for children and adolescents: a systematic review of randomized controlled trial studies

ANS Adv Nurs Sci. 2009 Jul-Sep;32(3):222-40. doi: 10.1097/ANS.0b013e3181b0d6ef.

Abstract

More than 17% of children aged 6 to 19 years living in the United States are classified as overweight. Medical costs related to overweight and obesity were recently estimated to approximate $100 billion annually. The purpose of this systematic review was to provide the scientific evidence regarding Web-based weight management programs for overweight children and adolescents. Results suggest the potential for Web-based behavioral change programs for weight management in overweight children and adolescents. Future research should emphasize rigorous methodological adequacies, develop theory-based standardized frameworks, investigate types of interventions appropriate for boys and girls in this age group, evaluate long-term effect of interventions, and examine cost as well as clinical effectiveness.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Computer-Assisted Instruction
  • Evidence-Based Practice
  • Exercise
  • Feeding Behavior
  • Female
  • Health Behavior
  • Humans
  • Internet / organization & administration*
  • Male
  • Overweight / epidemiology
  • Overweight / prevention & control*
  • Patient Education as Topic / organization & administration*
  • Psychological Theory
  • Psychology, Educational
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Research Design
  • United States / epidemiology
  • User-Computer Interface
  • Weight Loss