POPULATION-BASED STRATEGIES FOR CHILDHOOD OBESITY PREVENTION

Introduction: Childhood obesity has emerged as one of the most pressing global health challenges, associated with early onset of metabolic, cardiovascular, and psychosocial disorders. Objective: The primary objective was to synthesize the evidence regarding population-based strategies to prevent childhood obesity. Secondary objectives included evaluating the effectiveness of educational, environmental, and policy interventions, comparing outcomes across different socioeconomic contexts, and analyzing methodological quality. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, LILACS, ClinicalTrials.gov, and ICTRP. Studies published in the last 5 years were prioritized, with expansion to 10 years if fewer than 10 eligible articles were identified. Randomized and non-randomized studies were included. Data were extracted independently by two reviewers and assessed with RoB 2, ROBINS-I, and GRADE. Results and Discussion: From 4,216 identified records, 32 studies met inclusion criteria. Interventions included school-based nutrition and physical activity programs, taxation on sugar-sweetened beverages, urban planning measures, and digital health campaigns. Most studies showed moderate improvements in BMI z-scores and physical activity levels, although heterogeneity was high. Evidence certainty ranged from low to moderate.Conclusion: Population-based interventions, especially multicomponent school programs and fiscal policies, demonstrate promise in reducing childhood obesity prevalence. Long-term evaluations and culturally adapted strategies are needed to strengthen evidence and optimize implementation. Descriptors: Obesity, Pediatric Obesity, Public Health, Preventive Health Services