School-based Obesity Prevention Programs in Adolescents: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Objectives: We compared school-based physical activity (PA) programs that prescribe intensity with programs that do not have such a prescription for their impact on improving measures of adiposity, aerobic, and musculoskeletal fitness in 11-18 year-olds. Methods: Ten databases were searched systematically. Main outcome measures included adiposity, aerobic fitness, and/or musculoskeletal fitness. Studies were appraised using the Downs and Black quality assessment tool. Results: Overall, 16 studies were selected; the overall mean quality index score was 19.6 (95% CI: 15.5 – 23.6) out of a possible score of 32. Studies that prescribed moderate-to-vigorous PA may demonstrate greater reductions in measures of adiposity and increases in measures of fitness; however, the studies included lacked the rigor to make sound conclusions. Conclusions: Recommendations are made to increase the rigor of primary studies for use in school-based policy/practice changes to the PE curriculum.