How Do Education and Prevention Strategies Assist with Reducing Childhood Obesity

Authors

Edwin Gutierrez, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Family Medicine

Advisor

Dr. Thomas Colletti

Abstract

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to discuss whether education and prevention strategies can assist in reducing childhood obesity. A comprehensive literature search was performed across three databases: PubMed, the National Library of Medicine (NLM), and Medline. To customize the search, filters were applied for full-text availability, article type (meta-analysis, randomized controlled trial (RCT), and systematic review), and age range (birth to 18 years). The database search identified studies that covered “childhood obesity”, “education”, “prevention”, and “management”. The findings suggest that a moderate to high strength of evidence (SOE) supports diet and physical activity interventions as the most effective in reducing childhood obesity when implemented by pediatricians or schools with family involvement. Primary care providers did not show any evidence of decreasing childhood obesity due to multiple barriers, including a lack of referral centers, a lack of training, insufficient time, poor reimbursement, and several other factors. Multiple gaps were identified within these studies. The gaps included: a primary focus on developed countries, under-representation of minorities in a significant portion of the studies, children from non-traditional homes, ethnic cultures not taken into account for interventions, and several other gaps. The overall findings support the purpose of this paper, but all the studies recommend that more analysis needs to be completed with the addition of more diverse populations, lower socioeconomic families, and other targeted interventions beyond physical activity and diet as the main targets. This paper demonstrates the potential benefits of early education and interventions involving school and family in reducing childhood obesity, thereby improving the child's future health and decreasing the overall medical cost burden to the patient and society.

Recommended Citation

Gutierrez E. How Do Education and Prevention Strategies Assist with Reducing Childhood Obesity. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2025; 7(3).