Initiative Description: Meta-analytic review of obesity prevention in the schools: 1997-2008. Forty controlled studies that provided 66 comparisons (n=31,059) were included.

Study Results: More successful interventions were those that were universal, undertaken with four to nine year olds, implemented collaboratively, primarily included children of Asian ethnicity, encouraged nutritional change and sought to reduce sedentary behaviors. There was a negative effect for short-duration interventions

Reference: Cook-Cottone, C., Casey, C. M., Feeley, T. H. & Baran, J. (2009), A meta‐analytic review of obesity prevention in the schools: 1997–2008. Psychology in the Schools, 46, 695-719.
doi:10.1002/pits.20409.

Level of Evidence: Very Good