Predictors of Weight Loss and Weight Loss Maintenance in Children and Adolescents With Obesity After Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention

Objective: Predictors of body weight loss (BWL) and body weight loss maintenance (BWLM) after behavioral weight loss intervention are well-investigated in adults. Less is known for children and adolescents and a systematic overview on the topic for this age group was aim of the review. Methods: A systematic research according to PRISMA guidelines using several databases was performed. The outcome was the BMI z-Score of longitudinal studies. The extracted predictors were classified in clusters (Physiology, Behavior, Psychology, Environment) and compared with a theory-driven model based on international guidelines and known predictors for adults. Results: Out of 2,623 articles 24 met the eligibility criteria, 23 investigating BWL and 8 BWLM. The expected key predictor in research for adults "Behavior " was hardly investigated in children. The most examined cluster was "Physiology " with the most significant predictors, in particular genetics (BWL) and blood parameters (BWLM). Factors in the cluster "Psychology " also predicted BWL and BWLM. The cluster "Environment, " which was highlighted in most intervention guidelines, was neglected in studies regarding BWLM and hardly investigated in studies with BWL. Conclusion: The comparison with the theory-driven children model outlined research gaps and differences between predictors for adults and children providing further direction of research.