Effects of health at every size (R) interventions on health-related outcomes of people with overweight and obesity: a systematic review

Abstract

Context The growing use of interventions based on the Health at Every Size (R) (HAES (R)) in obesity management. Objective This study aimed to summarize the health-related effects of HAES (R)-based interventions on people with overweight and obesity. Data sources MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, Cochrane Library, LILACS, Google Scholar, OpenGrey and Grey Literature Report. Study selection A systematic review of studies published until January 2017 reporting on HAES (R)-based randomized and non-randomized controlled trials in people with overweight and/or obesity. Data extraction Fourteen papers met the inclusion criteria. The assessed studies included the following tests: blood profile, blood pressure, anthropometry, eating behaviour, energy intake, diet quality, psychological and qualitative evaluations. Results The HAES (R) interventions benefited both the psychological and physical activity outcomes, besides promoting behavioural and qualitative changes in eating habits. On the other hand, the results regarding cardiovascular responses, body-image perception and total energy intake were inconsistent. Conclusions Despite improving the cardiovascular status, eating behaviours, quality of life and psychological well-being in participants, other large long-term clinical trials should be performed to establish the effectiveness of HAES (R)-based interventions in improving health for people with overweight and obesity.