• Lisa G Johnson, Hwayoung Cho, Samantha M Lawrence, and Gail M Keenan.
• College of Nursing, University of Florida College of Nursing, 1225 Center Dr, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States. Electronic address: lgawronski@ufl.edu.
• Prev Med. 2024 Apr 1; 181: 107918107918.

IntroductionGlobally 38.9 million children under age 5 have overweight or obesity, leading to type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular complications, depression, and poor educational outcomes. Obesity is difficult to reverse and lifestyle behaviors (healthy or unhealthy) can persist from 1.5 years of age. Targeting caregivers to help address modifiable behaviors may offer a viable solution.ObjectiveEvaluate the impact of multicomponent family interventions on weight-based outcomes in early childhood and explore related secondary behavior outcomes.MethodsFour databases were searched (1/2017-6/2022) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of obesity-prevention interventions for children (1-5 years). Eligible studies included an objectively measured weight-based outcome, family interventions targeting the caregiver or family, and interventions including at least two behavioral components of nutrition, physical activity, or sleep.ResultsEleven interventions were identified consisting of four delivery modes: self-guided (n = 3), face-to-face group instruction (n = 3), face-to-face home visits (n = 2), and multiple levels of influence (n = 3). The reviewed studies reported almost no significant effects on child weight-based outcomes. Only two studies (one was an underpowered pilot study) resulted in significant positive child weight-management outcomes. Seven of the interventions significantly improved children's dietary intake.ConclusionExcept for one, the reviewed studies reported that family based interventions had no significant effects on child weight-based outcomes. Future studies of this type should include measurements of age and sex-based body mass index (BMI) and trajectories, and also examine other important benefits to the children and families.Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Inc.

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