Effectiveness of Community-based Obesity Intervention for Body Weight, Body Mass Index, and Waist Circumference: Meta-analysis

Obesity is a significant health problem worldwide and an alarming problem in the developed world including the United States of America and European populations. Subsequently, obesity can lead to different health problems, such as non‑communicable diseases. However, it can be prevented through a healthy diet, exercise, and lifestyle modification. The study’s purpose was to analyze the published literature on community‑based obesity interventions and to present a comprehensive summary of how to reduce the body weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), and Waist Circumference (WC) among overweight and obese individuals in the community through health education and behavior interventions.

The meta‑analysis was conducted in February–July 2021, searching CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct databases. Studies published during the prior 12 years on community‑based obesity intervention for weight, BMI, and WC were included in this review. Cochrane Revman software was used for meta‑analysis.

Seventeen studies met the selection criteria for the review. A meta‑analysis of the studies on health education and behavioral intervention studies resulted in a statistically significant reduction at 95% confidence intervals in the mean differences of BMI ‑1.19 (‑1.77, ‑0.62) and WC ‑1.11 (‑1.54, ‑0.68).

Community‑based obesity interventions through health education and behavior interventions effectively reduce the body weight, BMI, and WC. Implementing community‑based health education and behavioral interventions effectively prevents and treats obesity in communities.