Lifestyle interventions for obesity prevention among adolescents in Pacific Islands Countries and Territories: a narrative review of outcomes and sociocultural, spatial and temporal dimensions

This narrative review synthesizes peer-reviewed studies of diet and/or physical activity lifestyle interventions for obesity prevention among adolescents in Pacific Island Countries and Territories. Nine databases were searched from inception to June 2024 for English and French publications. Of 2068 records identified, nine studies from Fiji, Tonga, New Caledonia, and French Polynesia met inclusion criteria. Outcomes extracted included anthropometric indicators of body fatness, physical activity, and diet, alongside information on how interventions addressed sociocultural (communities and cultural practices), spatial (settings and rurality), and temporal (dose, duration, seasonality) dimensions. Among adolescents aged 11.8-15.4 years, intervention effects on anthropometric indicators of body fatness were mixed and generally small. Assessment of physical activity and diet was often incomplete, limiting interpretation. Future research should use robust outcome measures and participatory, locally led designs that integrate sociocultural context and align with local policy.