The prevalence of overweight and obesity amongst children is high. Approximately one in five children commence school already above the healthy weight range, with these rates rising once children are at school. Thus there is much scope for prevention efforts.
Most childhood obesity prevention research has been conducted with school-aged children. Strategies have predominantly been delivered within the school setting. Overall these interventions show a small positive impact on child body mass index (BMI). Interventions involving both physical activity and diet strategies appear to be more effective than interventions focusing on a single behaviour.
While considerably less research has been conducted in the early childhood population, the impact of prevention strategies appear to be greater in this age group. Strategies in the early childhood population have been delivered through a range of settings including preschools, health care and family-based settings. Overall studies suggest a positive impact with some suggestion that family-based settings may hold greatest promise.