Effects of Parent-Involved Digital Health Interventions on Adiposity-Related Outcomes and Behaviors in Children and Adolescents With Overweight or Obesity: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Parental involvement in obesity interventions is considered essential for sustainable behavior change in children and adolescents with overweight or obesity; yet, the effectiveness of parent-involved digital health interventions (DHIs) and the influence of different delivery modalities remain unclear.

This study aimed to synthesize the effects of parent-involved DHIs on adiposity-related outcomes and behaviors and explore potential moderators.

Nine databases were searched from inception to December 2025 to identify eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Primary outcomes were adiposity-related outcomes such as BMI; secondary outcomes were adiposity-related behaviors, including dietary behavior, physical activity, and sedentary behavior. Standardized mean differences (SMDs; Hedges g) on primary outcomes were pooled using random-effects models. Prespecified subgroup analyses examined DHI delivery modalities and parent-involved strategies. Secondary outcomes were synthesized narratively. Risk of bias was assessed using the revised Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2), and certainty of evidence was evaluated using GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation).