Published: December 2016

ID #: 1094

Journal: Prev Med

Authors: Ward DS, Welker E, Choate A, et al.

See more related research

Share


Given the high levels of obesity in young children, number of children in out-of-home care, and data suggesting a link between early care and education (ECE) participation and overweight/obesity, obesity prevention in ECE settings is critical. This systematic review covered obesity prevention interventions in center-based ECE settings published between 2010 and 2015. The goal was to identify promising intervention characteristics associated with successful behavioral and anthropometric outcomes. The review used a quality assessment tool for the studies identified, and a coding strategy was developed to assess intervention strength based on the hypothesis that more intensive interventions should yield better outcomes. The review found that 72 percent of the studies with a dietary intake measure demonstrated at least one significant impact. For studies that measured change in physical activity, fitness, or motor skills, 77 percent demonstrated at least one significant impact. Ten of the 24 studies with an anthropometric measure demonstrated at least one successful intervention effect. Relationships between intervention strength and behavioral outcomes demonstrated negative relationships for all behavioral outcomes. The review provides tentative evidence that multi-component, multi-level ECE interventions with parental engagement are most likely to be effective with anthropometric outcomes.

Related Research

May 2026

A Pediatric Perspective on the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines

Clear, evidence-based guidance on what foods and beverages children and adolescents should consume—and in what amounts—is foundational for promoting healthy growth and preventing diet-related chronic disease across the life course. Yet many children and adolescents in the US continue to have diets of poor nutritional quality. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs), issued every 5 More

April 2026

Policy Priorities and Research Needs for Advancing Healthy Eating: A 2026-2027 Research Agenda for U.S. Children and Adolescents

Given recent changes to nutrition policies and programs and the food environment landscape, the need for new evidence on how these changes impact nutrition, health, and food access is greater than ever. HER has also published a research agenda intended to provide a blueprint for immediate (i.e., 12-18 month) research needs to inform strategies to More

November 2025

Forecasting WIC funding needs: Supporting families, strengthening access

WIC serves more than 50% of all infants born in the U.S. The goal of this study is to build a forecasting model to estimate national WIC funding needs under various policy and economic conditions through fiscal year 2027. The model will also be designed to allow for updates to forecast funding needs for future More