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PROTOCOL: Effectiveness of Interventions for the Prevention and Treatment of Obesity in Children and Adolescents From Low‐ and Middle‐Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Gerardo A. Zavala
  • Muhammad Asim
  • Aliya Ayub
  • Abdul Momin Rizwan Ahmad
  • Asha Prasad Pillai
  • Elena Pavlou
  • Avantika Sharma
  • Bilal Ahmad Khan
  • Hira Shakoor
  • Liina Mansukoski
  • Olga P. Garcia Obregon
  • Umber Khan
  • Zala Khan
  • Aliya Rehman
  • Badur Un Nisa
  • Humaira Bibi
  • Romania Iqbal
  • Suneel Gill
  • Urooj Ashfaq
  • Farman Ullah Khan
  • Zulfiqar Bhutta
  • Sarah Forberger
  • Kamran Siddiqi
  • Marc Suhrcke
  • Simon Walker
  • Zainab Samad
  • Saima Afaq

Abstract

Childhood obesity represents a major and growing public health challenge, with a disproportionate burden in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). This systematic review will address a critical evidence gap by synthesising existing research on the effectiveness of interventions for the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity in LMICs. By focusing exclusively on interventions implemented within LMIC contexts, the review will account for the unique socio‐cultural, economic, and environmental determinants that influence intervention delivery and effectiveness in these settings. A literature search will be conducted across MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and The Cochrane Library, without restrictions on publication date or language. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) examining interventions for the prevention or treatment of overweight and obesity among children aged 5–9 years and adolescents aged 10–19 years will be included. The primary outcomes will be age‐adjusted body mass index (BMI), other measures of adiposity, and the prevalence of overweight and obesity. Secondary outcomes including dietary intake, physical activity, health‐related quality of life, and adverse events will be reported narratively but excluded from the meta‐analysis. Two independent reviewers will screen the studies, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. Intervention effectiveness will first be summarised descriptively according to intervention type and key characteristics. Where appropriate, pooled effect sizes will be estimated using a random‐effects meta‐analysis. To explore and manage heterogeneity, analyses will be stratified by age group (children vs adolescents) and intervention purpose (prevention vs treatment). This review will identify effective strategies for preventing and treating childhood obesity in LMICs and explore the intervention features associated with successful outcomes. The findings will inform policy development and support the design and implementation of contextually appropriate interventions, contributing to global efforts to reduce obesity and prevent non‐communicable diseases (NCDs).

Suggested Citation

  • Gerardo A. Zavala & Muhammad Asim & Aliya Ayub & Abdul Momin Rizwan Ahmad & Asha Prasad Pillai & Elena Pavlou & Avantika Sharma & Bilal Ahmad Khan & Hira Shakoor & Liina Mansukoski & Olga P. Garcia Ob, 2025. "PROTOCOL: Effectiveness of Interventions for the Prevention and Treatment of Obesity in Children and Adolescents From Low‐ and Middle‐Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis," Campbell Systematic Reviews, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 21(4), December.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:camsys:v:21:y:2025:i:4:n:e70081
    DOI: 10.1002/cl2.70081
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Goryakin, Yevgeniy & Lobstein, Tim & James, W. Philip T. & Suhrcke, Marc, 2015. "The impact of economic, political and social globalization on overweight and obesity in the 56 low and middle income countries," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 133(C), pages 67-76.
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