The Canadian Obesity Network and interprofessional practice: members' views

We examined interprofessional (IP) attitudes and relationships within an emergent network, the Canadian Obesity Network (CON), using semi-structured individual interviews with 13 members of the CON. CON is a newly formed network of obesity researchers, health professionals, and other stakeholders whose vision is to reduce the mental, physical, and economic burden of obesity on Canadians. Analysis of participant contributions led to a "Who?, What?, When?, Where?, Why?, and How?" framework of IP practice and obesity. Results indicate that a wide range of professionals are ready (who?), the issue is apparent (what?), the context is multi-located (where?), the timing is right (when?), and there is general consensus that IP practice (how?) is the only way to go to effectively tackle the obesity issue (why?). Recommendations and suggestions for future studies of IP practice in the context of both networks and obesity are made.