Interventions to Treat Obesity in Mexican Children and Adolescents: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Context: Prevalence of overweight and obesity has been rising in the past 3 decades among Mexican children and adolescents.

Objective: To systematically review experimental studies evaluating interventions to treat obesity in Mexican children and adolescents (≤18 years old).

Data sources: For this study, 13 databases and 1 search engine were searched.

Data analysis: A total of 29 studies met the inclusion criteria. Overall, 2302 participants (age range, 8-16 years) from 11 states in Mexico were included. Most of the studies (n = 17 of 29) were provided in a clinical setting. A random-effect meta-analysis of 4 randomized controlled trials was conducted and a significant effect was found on body mass index reduction that favored the intervention group (-1.52; 95%CI, -2.15 to -0.89) for short-term (≤6 mo) interventions.

Conclusions: A multicomponent, multidisciplinary, and individualized intervention that includes dietary modifications, physical activity practice, behavioral strategies, and active parental involvement might help treat childhood obesity in Mexico. However, long-term results need to be produced to identify effectiveness pointers that might help establish an integrated, long-lasting care model to treat obesity.

Keywords: Mexico; adolescents; children; intervention; obesity; overweight.