Components of Adolescent Behavioural Interventions With Eating Disorder Outcomes: Systematic Review With Intervention Mapping

Objective To understand delivery features and intervention strategies of adolescent weight management interventions which may influence eating disorder risk. Methods Systematic searches in four databases and two trial registries to identify randomised controlled trials in adolescents with overweight/obesity measuring eating disorder risk pre‐ and post‐intervention. Delivery features and intervention strategies were coded from published descriptions using a project‐specific codebook, validated by trial investigators and narratively synthesised. Results Of 11 860 records screened, 23 trials, with 54 intervention arms, were included in the analysis. Most interventions focused on weight loss and maintenance (54%) and were informed by a cognitive behavioural framework (43%). Interventions commonly targeted an individual with a support person (70%). Median intervention duration was 26 weeks, with weekly (35%) or staged (e.g., weekly, then monthly) visit (41%) frequency. Interventions had a mean (SD) of 30 (16.1) intervention strategies. Most included healthy eating education (89%), physical activity education (89%) and problem‐solving barriers to dietary change (80%). Few included mental health strategies (17%). Interventions included ‘dietary prescription’ (65%), and 78% promoted ‘healthful/helpful eating behaviours’. Conclusion Weight management interventions are complex and vary in delivery approach and strategies used to change behaviors. Characterising interventions is a critical first step to understanding how weight management interventions' influence eating disorder risk.