What School-Based Strategies are Most Effective in Preventing Obesity Among Primary School Children in the United Kingdom

Background: Childhood obesity remains a significant public health challenge in the United Kingdom, with persistently high prevalence rates and marked socio-economic inequalities. Schools are increasingly positioned as key settings for obesity prevention due to their reach, structure, and potential to influence children’s health behaviours at an early stage. However, evidence regarding the effectiveness of school-based childhood obesity prevention programmes remains mixed, and less is known about how contextual and implementation factors shape programme outcomes in practice. The aim of this study was to critically evaluate the effectiveness of school-based obesity prevention programmes for primary school children in the United Kingdom through a systematic literature review. Methodology: A systematic search of relevant academic databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, and PsycINFO) was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, and ten UK-based studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies were selected using the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison and Outcome) framework. The review predominantly synthesised qualitative evidence, alongside one mixed-methods study. Methodological quality was appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist for qualitative studies and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) for the mixed-methods study. Results: A thematic synthesis approach, guided by Braun and Clarke’s framework, was employed to analyse the findings. Four overarching themes were identified: (1) school capacity and resources, (2) stakeholder engagement and shared responsibility, (3) programme implementation, fidelity and adaptation, and (4) sensitivity, communication and weight stigma. The findings indicate that while school-based programmes can positively influence health related behaviours, their effectiveness is strongly shaped by organisational capacity, leadership support, staff confidence, parental engagement, and the need for sensitive, non-stigmatising approaches. Conclusion: The review concludes that school-based obesity prevention programmes are unlikely to achieve sustained impact in isolation. Greater structural support, curriculum integration, staff training, and collaborative approaches involving families and wider systems are required to enhance effectiveness, equity, and long-term sustainability.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

msc

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

masters

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Year dc:date.issued

2026

Author dc:creator

• Katariya, Jaydev Himatbhai

• LB1501 Addysg Gynradd
• RA Agweddau cyhoeddus am feddygaeth

Dc Identifier Grantnumber

UWTSD

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.uwtsd.ac.uk:4217