Tools- of Changes

Effectiveness of Theory-Based Physical Activity Interventions in Preventing Childhood Obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Theory-based Physical activity interventions are associated with meaningful benefits in preventing and managing childhood obesity. Younger participant age, shorter intervention duration, deeper family engagement roles, and application of cognitive behavioral theory may have more positive effects.

Physical activity interventions (PAIs) are often recommended to ameliorate childhood obesity, but the effectiveness of theory-based PAIs remains unclear. This study aimed to synthesize evidence and quantify the impact of theory-based PAIs on body mass index (BMI) and BMI z-score in this population. Literature published from inception to June 2025 were retrieved from five major databases. Risk of bias was evaluated, and meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the combined effect size. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to explore sources of heterogeneity and assess the robustness of the findings. Meta-analysis showed a statistically significant but modest effect of theory-based PAIs on BMI outcomes. Subgroup analyses revealed that younger participant age, shorter intervention duration, deeper family engagement roles, and application of cognitive behavioral theory may have more positive effects. These findings indicate that theory-based PAIs are associated with meaningful benefits in preventing and managing childhood obesity.