Multi-component weight management interventions that include diet or nutrition [including medical nutrition therapy (MNT)], physical activity and behavioral components and involve a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) or psychologist or mental health provider are more likely to be effective in treating overweight in children and teens, compared to interventions that are missing at least one of these major components.

Multi-component interventions were associated with shorter-term (six months) and longer-term (two years) decreases in body mass index (BMI) and BMI Z-scores for all age categories. Conversely, the absence of one or more of these components was associated with in an increase in BMI measures in the longer term. Shorter-term and longer-term BMI-Z scores were reduced with both types of interventions. However, significantly greater reduction was reported in the multi-component interventions. BMI percentile reductions at six months were also observed in the multi-component interventions, but were reported in fewer studies.

• Grade I means there is Good/Strong evidence supporting the statement;
• Grade II is Fair;
• Grade III is Limited/Weak;
• Grade IV is Expert Opinion Only;
• Grade V is Not Assignable.
• High (A) means we are very confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect;
• Moderate (B) means we are moderately confident in the effect estimate;
• Low (C) means our confidence in the effect estimate is limited;
• Very Low (D) means we have very little confidence in the effect estimate.
• Ungraded means a grade is not assignable.