DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.182171.1 ISSN: 2046-1402

Controlling Childhood Obesity in Nigeria: Strategies, Barriers, and Policy Implications from a Systematic Review

Mirian Chioma Iwuala, Ebere Mercy Onuoha, Eze Enize-Tomvie, Rosemary Chisom Nsofor, Chimaoge Igboanude, Nidhi Parag Pardeshi, Uchechi Priscilla Ajugwe, Michael Ben Okon
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Childhood obesity is an increasing public health concern in Nigeria, yet evidence on locally used control strategies and the barriers to implementation remains fragmented. This systematic review examined strategies for controlling childhood obesity in Nigeria and the social, cultural and economic factors that affect their effectiveness. Seven academic databases (CINAHL, PubMed, Cochrane, Medline, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and PsycNET), Google Scholar, ResearchGate and reference lists were searched for English-language studies published between 2014 and 2024. After screening 1,595 records, eight studies met the inclusion criteria and were appraised using a quality checklist for quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research. Data were synthesised thematically. Five control strategies were identified: physical activity, dietary restriction, screen-time restriction, drugs, and herbal remedies. Physical activity and dietary restriction were the most frequently reported strategies and appeared beneficial where adherence was high. However, implementation was constrained by parental compliance, school environment, private-school sedentary patterns, limited recreational space, insecurity, urbanisation, high-calorie diets, parental work demands, socioeconomic status and cultural beliefs that normalise larger body size. The evidence suggests that individual-level interventions are unlikely to be sufficient unless supported by school, family and policy measures that address Nigeria-specific determinants of childhood obesity. Future interventions should combine nutrition education, structured school-based physical activity, parental engagement and regulation of obesogenic environments.

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