To comprehensively summarize and quantify the comparative efficacy of BMI-reducing treatment options in young people with obesity, highlighting the critical need for effective interventions.
Key Findings:
The systematic review included 93 studies, with 83 undergoing quantitative analysis, indicating a robust body of evidence.
29 studies focused on lifestyle interventions, 21 on pharmacological therapies, and 33 on bariatric surgery, reflecting diverse treatment approaches.
Only 10 studies assessed endoscopic treatment, highlighting a gap in research.
Interpretation:
The findings will aid clinicians in determining effective treatment options for obesity in young people, addressing a critical public health issue and informing future research and policy.
Limitations:
The review may be limited by the quality and heterogeneity of included studies, which could affect the generalizability of the findings.
Only a single RCT was available for surgical management, necessitating the inclusion of non-randomised studies, which may introduce bias.
Conclusion:
This systematic review and meta-analysis provides a comprehensive overview of treatment options for obesity in young people, underscoring the urgent need for effective interventions to combat this growing epidemic.
