Stakeholder views of behavioral interventions for children and adolescents with obesity: mega‐ethnography of qualitative syntheses

Background

The prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents is rising and is a recognized global health problem. This overview of reviews explored the views of children, adolescents, and parents/caregivers regarding behavioral interventions for obesity management.

Methods

Eleven electronic databases were searched to identify reviews of qualitative research regarding the views of children or adolescents with obesity, and their caregivers, concerning behavioral interventions for obesity. Synthesis was performed using a mega-ethnography approach.

Results

Eleven reviews were included. Factors associated with feasibility, acceptability, and equity were identified that influenced decisions to engage with these interventions. Children and adolescents with obesity can be encouraged to engage and participate in behavioral interventions if there is a positive environment, free from stigma; have the necessary resources needed to fully engage in the intervention; are taught holistic, practical skills that allow for long-term lifestyle change, not just short-term weight loss; and are provided with activities likely to be perceived as fun and enjoyable. Interventions are more acceptable to the child/adolescent when parents and families are able to engage with them.

Conclusion

Practitioners can improve engagement with behavioral interventions for obesity management for children/adolescents if they are aware of specific motivating factors.