OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of educational interventions including behavioral modification, nutrition and physical activity to prevent or treat childhood obesity through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials. METHOD: A search of databases (PubMed, Embase and Cochrane CENTRAL) and references of published studies (from inception until May 2012) was conducted. Eligible studies were randomized trials enrolling children 6 to 12 years old and assessing the impact of educational interventions during 6 months or longer on waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure and lipid profile to prevent or treat childhood obesity. Calculations were performed using a random effects method and pooled-effect estimates were obtained using the final values. RESULTS: Of 22.852 articles retrieved, 26 trials (23,617 participants) were included. There were no differences in outcomes assessed in prevention studies. However, in treatment studies, educational interventions were associated with a significant reduction in waist circumference (-3.21 cm (95%CI -6.34 to -0.07)), BMI (-0.86 kg/m2 (95%CI -1.59 to -0.14)) and diastolic blood pressure (-3.68 mmHg (95%CI -5.48 to -1.88)). CONCLUSIONS: Educational interventions are effective in treatment, but not prevention, of childhood obesity and its consequences.
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