Primary care behavioural programmes can help reduce childhood obesity
Children who are living with overweight or obesity can improve their health through primary care weight-management programmes, according to new research published in Obesity Reviews.
The study, led by researchers at Loughborough University’s Centre for Lifestyle Medicine and Behaviour (CLiMB), analysed 59 randomised controlled trials involving more than 10,000 children and adolescents. It focused on behavioural interventions delivered in primary care settings or via referrals from primary care professionals.
These programmes included guidance on healthier eating, increasing physical activity and promoting wider behaviour change. Results showed that children taking part in these interventions experienced meaningful reductions in both BMI-for-age scores and overall body mass index (BMI). On average, participants saw a BMI-z score reduction of −0.08 and a BMI reduction of −0.37 kg/m² at one year compared with children who did not take part.
Professor Amanda Daley, lead author of the study, said: “While the effects we observed are modest, even small amounts of sustained weight loss are important for children’s health. Primary care has a key role in supporting families to manage children’s weight.”
The research also highlighted that interventions referred from primary care to community-based programmes were more effective than those delivered entirely within clinic settings. This suggests that collaborations between healthcare providers and local community initiatives can enhance support for families and help children maintain a healthy weight.
Professor Daley added: “The NHS 10-year plan emphasises neighbourhood health services and reducing childhood obesity should be central to this approach. Encouraging healthy eating and physical activity from a young age is essential for children to thrive.”
Dr Claire Madigan, co-author of the study, emphasised the long-term benefits: “We don’t want to wait until adulthood to tackle obesity with medications. Helping children manage their weight now can prevent disease later in life.”
The findings reinforce the value of early, primary care-led behavioural interventions in addressing childhood obesity and support the development of stronger links between healthcare services and community programmes.