Assessing the effectiveness of individual or community-based interventions for obesity in the early

This project evaluated the effectiveness of early years interventions in preventing obesity and supporting healthy weight among children during the pre-school years.

Background

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It is important to understand whether early childhood interventions are effective in supporting healthy growth and preventing excess weight gain. The early years (ages 0–5) represent a critical developmental period with long-term effects on health. Children who live with excess weight at a young age are more likely to live with excess weight later in life, increasing their risk of linked health conditions.  

Research that synthesises the effectiveness of early childhood interventions aimed at preventing obesity in children is needed to inform policy and future interventions. This project sought to determine how interventions for pre-school children might influence healthy growth.  

Aims and Objectives

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The aim of this project was to assess the effectiveness of individual or community-based interventions for preventing or reducing obesity in the early years. The objectives were: 

1. To identify interventions aimed at preventing or reducing overweight and obesity in children in the early years 

2. To assess how effective these interventions are at improving weight outcomes or related behaviours such as diet and physical activity 

3. To compare different types of interventions, including individual, family, and community-based approaches 

Methodology

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We conducted a systematic review of studies evaluating individual or community-based interventions aimed at preventing or reducing obesity in early childhood. We searched academic databases and relevant grey literature to identify studies that evaluated interventions for children in the early years (ages 0–5). Studies were included if they took place in high-income countries, since 2011 and evaluated anthropometric outcomes, including BMI, waist measurements, or changes in weight classifications.  

We extracted key information from each study, conducted meta-analysis for relevant outcomes and synthesised other findings narratively. 

Policy Relevance and Dissemination

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This review will help policymakers understand which early years interventions are most effective at preventing and reducing obesity. The findings will inform decisions about which interventions and programmes are most promising and could be prioritized or scaled up. Findings will be shared with the Department of Health and Social Care and other relevant stakeholders and presented in a policy briefing report. 

Timing

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March 2023 - April 2026

 

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The NIHR Policy Research Unit in Healthy Weight is part of the NIHR and hosted by UCL.