Prevention of Weight Gain and Obesity in Adults: a Systematic Review

Summary

The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care concludes that there is insufficient evidence to recommend for or against community-wide cardiovascular disease preventive programs to prevent obesity (I recommendation).

The Task Force concludes that there is fair evidence to recommend intensive individual and small group counselling for a reduced calorie or low fat diet to prevent obesity (B Recommendation).

The Task Force concludes that there is fair evidence to recommend an intensive individual or structured group program of endurance exercise to prevent obesity (B recommendation).

The Task Force concluded that there is insufficient evidence to recommend a program of strength training exercise to prevent obesity. (I recommendation).

The Task Force concludes that there is fair evidence to recommend an intensive individual or small group program of a combined low fat/reduced calorie diet and endurance exercise intervention to prevent obesity (B recommendation).

The Task Force concludes that there is fair evidence to recommend against low- intensity interventions employing telephone or mail support, or financial incentives to promote a low-fat/reduced calorie diet and endurance exercise as a means to prevent obesity. (D recommendation).