Efectos de los programas de intervención enfocados al tratamiento del sobrepeso/obesidad infantil y adolescente

ResumenEl objetivo del presente estudio fue realizar una revisión sistemática de la efectividad de los programas de intervención basados en actividad física (AF) y control dietético sobre el sobrepeso y/u obesidad en población infantil y adolescente. La búsqueda bibliográfica fue realizada en bases de datos electrónicas abarcando el período comprendido entre el 1 de julio de 2006 y el 30 de abril de 2012. Del total de 1.696 estudios encontrados inicialmente, se incluyeron 28 artículos que describieron 23 programas de AF y orientación alimentaria destinados a niños y adolescentes con sobrepeso/obesidad. Diecisiete programas fueron dirigidos a niños y adolescentes y 6 fueron diseñados específicamente para adolescentes. En 10 de los estudios, la condición física (CF) fue adicionalmente valorada. Los resultados parecen señalar que la AF asociada con orientación nutricional produce efectos positivos en la reducción del peso e índice de masa corporal (IMC). Resaltamos la necesidad de diseñar programas específicos para adolescentes, así como valorar objetivamente la eficacia de dichos programas a largo plazo en poblaciones de niños y adolescentes con sobrepeso/obesidad.AbstractThe aim of this study was to realize one systemic review the effectiveness of intervention programs which were based on physical activity (PA) and dietary control of overweight and/or obese children and adolescents. The literature search was conducted in electronic databases covering the time period between July 1th, 2006 to April 30th, 2012. From 1,696 studies initially reviewed, 28 articles describing 23 programs were included. We have included studies with exercise programs and nutritional counseling for overweight and/or obese children and adolescents. Interventions which were excluded were those which involved the use of drugs, studies conducted in adolescents with hormonal disorders and eating disorders, book chapters, conference proceedings and dissertations. Seventeen programs were targeted towards children and adolescents and six were designed specifically for adolescents. In ten studies, the physical fitness (PF) was further assessed. Due the methodological heterogeneity found, these results are insufficient to determine the effectiveness of intervention programs regarding PA and diet. The results seem to indicate that AF associated with nutrition counseling has positive effects on reducing weight and body mass index (BMI). We emphasize the need to design specific programs for adolescents, as well as the as well assess the effectiveness of long term programs in populations of children and adolescents with overweight and obesity.