The Effectiveness of Interventions on Overweight or Obese Children and Adolescents

The purpose of this review of literature is to determine the most effective intervention style for children and adolescents who are either overweight or obese. Childhood obesity has become more prevalent in recent years. Research shows that around the world 38.2 million children under the age of five are overweight or obese making it a worldwide epidemic. It is evident that interventions are an effective way of helping these children so that later they are not at a higher risk of developing severe health conditions like heart disease and diabetes. This review examines multiple studies that investigated the effectiveness of interventions that occurred in various locations such as inpatient facilities, primary schools, and low-income communities. The studies were either multidisciplinary or focused on improving body mass index (BMI) through exercise and dieting. Many of the multidisciplinary studies focused on improving the children’s exercise and nutrition habits, along with their psychological wellbeing. This style of intervention showed the most significant results as it focused on improving the overall quality of life for those involved. These studies suggested the most effective interventions involve the families of the children. It was determined that when the families are involved, they are more supportive of the changes their children are making. Often, they are better equipped to help their children make these changes due to the education from the intervention. The results provided in this review of literature suggest that interventions are a successful treatment for children and adolescents who are overweight or obese