Update of the Cochrane systematic review of interventions for preventing obesity in children: a research program

Article type
Authors
Waters E1, Steele E1, Pettman T1
1Cochrane Public Health Group, Australia
Abstract
Background and Objectives:
The Cochrane Systematic Review ‘Interventions for preventing obesity in children’ (E Waters 2011) synthesises evidence from childhood obesity prevention activities. To ensure the next update reflects recent developments in obesity prevention activities, meets the needs of review stakeholders and does not duplicate existing reviews, it will be informed by a two-staged research program.

Methods:
The first stage aims to identify evidence-gaps regarding the effectiveness of childhood obesity prevention activities, from a policy perspective. First, a document analysis of international obesity policy documents will be conducted to identify priorities for childhood obesity prevention research. To validate this list of priorities, a web-based survey with a select group of international obesity policy experts will be conducted. The second stage is an overview of existing systematic reviews of interventions aimed at preventing childhood obesity. This exercise will identify gaps and limitations in the scope and methods of existing reviews.

Results & Conclusions:
This presentation will present results from each stage of the research program, and discuss how the results will inform the development of the Cochrane Review update.

Waters E, de Silva-Sanigorski A, Burford BJ, Brown T, Campbell KJ, Gao Y, et al. Interventions for preventing obesity in children. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2011.