Systematic review of reviews of intervention components associated with increased effectiveness in dietary and physical activity interventions
2011

Review of Effective Components in Diet and Physical Activity Interventions

Sample size: 30 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Colin J Greaves, Kate E Sheppard, Charles Abraham, Wendy Hardeman, Michael Roden, Philip H Evans, Peter Schwarz

Primary Institution: University of Exeter

Hypothesis

What intervention components are associated with increased effectiveness in dietary and physical activity interventions for individuals at risk of type 2 diabetes?

Conclusion

The review identifies specific components that enhance the effectiveness of interventions aimed at promoting dietary and physical activity changes.

Supporting Evidence

  • Interventions produced clinically meaningful weight loss of 3-5 kg at 12 months.
  • Engaging social support and targeting both diet and physical activity increased intervention effectiveness.
  • Using established behaviour change techniques was associated with greater weight loss.

Takeaway

To help people avoid diabetes, programs should include certain helpful strategies for changing diet and exercise habits.

Methodology

The authors conducted a systematic review of existing systematic reviews, analyzing data from 30 reviews that met quality criteria.

Potential Biases

Potential biases included measurement issues, self-selection of participants, and lack of consideration for study quality.

Limitations

The review faced challenges in categorizing intervention content due to inadequate descriptions in individual studies.

Participant Demographics

Adults at risk of developing type 2 diabetes due to lifestyle or clinical risk factors.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2458-11-119

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication