Educational interventions in childhood obesity: a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of educational interventions including behavioral modification, nutrition and physical activity to prevent or treat childhood obesity through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials.

Method: A search of databases (PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane CENTRAL) and references of published studies (from inception until May 2012) was conducted. Eligible studies were randomized trials enrolling children 6 to 12 years old and assessing the impact of educational interventions during 6 months or longer on waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure and lipid profile to prevent or treat childhood obesity.