Trimming the Scales: Unveiling the Impact of Lifestyle Interventions on Weight Reduction in Overweight and Obese Adults-A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The review evaluates the impact of lifestyle interventions, including diet and exercise, on weight reduction to mitigate obesity's health risks and achieve sustainable weight loss in adults. Methodology: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across three major databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, and institute Library e-Resources, resulting in the identification of 3018 relevant studies. After applying inclusion criteria, 42 trials were selected, with 15 meeting the criteria for meta-analysis. Utilizing rigorous statistical methods mean differences between intervention and control groups were calculated with a 95% confidence interval. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic, and potential publication bias was evaluated through forest plots and funnel plots. Results: The review encompassed a total of 2062 individuals, with an average age of 42.8±9.4 years. Our analysis revealed an overall effect size of -1.78 kg (-2.2%, -1.277%), indicative of significant weight reduction attributed to lifestyle interventions. Furthermore, our investigation unveiled variations in the effectiveness of interventions based on study duration and mode of delivery. Symmetric funnel plots suggested a low risk of publication bias, enhancing the credibility of our findings. This review underscores the importance of lifestyle treatments in weight management and highlights their accessibility and availability in recent years. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the substantial impact of lifestyle interventions on weight reduction, demonstrating significant efficacy across diverse populations. The variations in effectiveness based on study duration and mode of delivery emphasize the need for tailored approaches in obesity management programs.