Evidence Base Update on Behavioral Treatments for Overweight and Obesity in Children and Adolescents

Genevieve M. Davison, Lawrence T. Monocello, Kim Lipsey, Denise E. Wilfley

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: This review provides an update to a previous Evidence Base Update addressing behavioral treatments for overweight and obesity in children and adolescents. Method: Articles were identified through a systematic search of the biomedical literature in PubMed/MEDLINE (1946-), Elsevier EMBASE (1947-), SCOPUS (1823-), Clarivate Web of Science Core Collection (WOS, 1900-), PsycINFO (1800-), The Cochrane Library and Clinicaltrials.gov published between June 2014 and August 2022. Results: Family-based treatment (FBT) remains a well-established treatment for overweight and obesity in children and is now well-established in adolescents and toddlers. Parent-only behavioral treatment remains well-established in children and is now well-established among adolescents and children. Possibly effective treatments continue to include FBT-parent only for adolescents, and behavioral weight loss (BWL) with a family component for adolescents, children, and toddlers. Several variations of FBT and BWL can now be considered possibly effective including FBT+motivational interviewing, FBT+social facilitation maintenance, group-based FBT, low-dose FBT, BWL+stress management, and camp-based BWL. Cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) for adolescents also met criteria for possibly effective treatments. Current research has also established that behavioral treatments can be effectively delivered in alternative settings (e.g. primary care) and through alternative mediums (e.g. telehealth). Conclusions: Research continues to support the use of multicomponent lifestyle interventions in accordance with recent recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Psychological Association, and the United State Preventative Services Task Force. However, more work is needed to ensure appropriate access for children with comorbid medical and psychiatric disorders and children from socially, politically, and economically marginalized groups.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)589-603
Number of pages15
JournalJournal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology
Volume52
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 2023

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Evidence Base Update on Behavioral Treatments for Overweight and Obesity in Children and Adolescents'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this