Interventions to Prevent Metabolic Syndrome in Adolescents

Abstract

Introduction: Overweight and obesity are currently high-impact public health problems worldwide, predisposing humans to acquire chronic non-communicable diseases such as metabolic syndrome, affecting adolescents, a vulnerable age group.

Objective: To analyze the scientific evidence about interventions to prevent metabolic syndrome in adolescents.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted of articles published between 2010 and 2019; a search was carried out in SciELO, BVS, PUBMED databases. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 11 articles were selected. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyzes (PRISMA) flow chart was used.

Conclusions: In the 11 articles analyzed, various intervention approaches have been found, which were developed mainly in educational, nutritional and physical activities aspects. The studies in which more strategies for the prevention of metabolic syndrome in adolescents were addressed, together with a family approach and incorporating teachers and a multidisciplinary team, showed more significant changes in anthropometric characteristics and biochemical parameters related to cardiometabolic risk factors.