Overweight and obesity are major public health problems in the United States, with nearly one third of children and adolescents affected. Although there are many interventions for overweight and obesity in children, few are effective. Among the effective interventions are those that are peer-led.
Peer-led interventions for overweight and obesity in children have been found to be effective in multiple studies. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 studies found that peer-led interventions resulted in a significant reduction in body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage. In addition, these interventions resulted in significant improvements in diet and physical activity behaviors.
The mechanisms by which peer-led interventions work are not fully understood, but may include positive peer influence, modeling of healthy behaviors, and social support. These interventions are cost-effective and can be delivered in a variety of settings, making them a promising strategy for addressing the childhood obesity epidemic.
Overweight and obesity are common among children and adolescents, with serious implications for health. Despite this, there is a lack of effective interventions for this population. Peer-led interventions may be a promising approach, as they are delivered by peers who are more likely to be trusted and respected by children and adolescents.
A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of peer-led programs for overweight and obesity in children. The results showed that peer-led programs resulted in significant improvements in body mass index, waist circumference, and fat mass. In addition, the programs were associated with significant improvements in psychological outcomes, including self-esteem and body satisfaction.
The findings of this review suggest that peer-led programs are an effective intervention for overweight and obesity in children. These programs should be further evaluated in large-scale trials to confirm their efficacy.
