Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 22, 2026
05:10
Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report
Published on: May 30, 2025
1.4K
Motivating systems-oriented research on environmental and policy changes for obesity prevention
L J Cheskin1, R Frutchey2, A Y McDermott2
1Johns Hopkins Weight Management Center, Department of Health, Behavior & Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the Global Obesity Prevention Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Pediatric Obesity
|April 10, 2016
Summary
Systems-science approaches can improve childhood obesity prevention research. A funding program showed success but highlighted the need for more training in systems thinking for researchers.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Systems Science
- Obesity Prevention
Background:
- Population-level prevention of childhood obesity requires understanding complex societal systems.
- Systems-science concepts and tools can enhance research in this area.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report outcomes of a funding program that encouraged systems-science approaches in childhood obesity research.
- To assess the incorporation of systems thinking into studies of policy or environmental changes affecting childhood obesity.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 172 initial submissions from a 3-year funding program across 29 US states and 25 countries.
- Evaluation of 15 funded projects that incorporated systems-science concepts.
Main Results:
- Submissions primarily focused on school, recreational, and food access settings.
- Approximately half of the submissions incorporated systems perspectives.
- Some success was observed in motivating the use of systems concepts and tools.
Conclusions:
- The funding program showed partial success in promoting systems-science in childhood obesity research.
- There is a clear need for enhanced education and preparation of the research community in systems-science for obesity prevention.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Obesity
1.5K
The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value derived from a person's weight and height, used to categorize individuals into weight ranges. It is calculated using the formula: weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Obesity is a health condition characterized by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue that poses health risks, often diagnosed with a BMI ≥ 30. This excess fat storage occurs when surplus dietary calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in...
1.5K
01:18Models of Health Promotion and Illness Prevention II
2.2K
The person's health status fluctuates continually, varying from being in good health to becoming ill and returning to being healthy. To understand the concept of illness prevention, there are two models. First, the health-illness continuum model is a graphic representation of an individual's wellness. It states that a person is considered healthy in the absence of physical disease and the presence of good emotional health.
The agent-host-environment model states that disease results...
The agent-host-environment model states that disease results...
2.2K
01:25Models of Health Promotion and Illness Prevention I
3.0K
A model is a theoretical way to understand a concept or an idea. Models can overcome barriers to health regardless of diverse economic and cultural backgrounds. In addition, models make the task easier by providing different ways to approach complex issues. There are two major health promotion models: the health belief model and the health promotion model.
The health belief model (HBM) attempts to predict health-related behavior in specific belief patterns. According to the HBM, a person's...
The health belief model (HBM) attempts to predict health-related behavior in specific belief patterns. According to the HBM, a person's...
3.0K
01:21Dimensions of Health and Illness
11.9K
The factors influencing the health-illness continuum can be internal or external and may or may not be under conscious control. They are related to the following eight human dimensions, and each dimension is interrelated to one other.
11.9K
01:26Levels of Health Promotion and Illness Prevention
15.5K
Health promotion allows a person to control the determinants of health, resulting in an improved health status. It enhances the quality of life and reduces premature deaths. Health promotion and illness prevention programs help people make beneficial choices to reduce the risk of disease and disabilities. There are three health promotion and illness prevention levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention.
In primary prevention, actions taken before disease onset prevent the disease from...
In primary prevention, actions taken before disease onset prevent the disease from...
15.5K
01:30Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques VI
306
Adopting a healthier lifestyle often requires overcoming significant challenges, but leveraging psychological, social, and cultural resources can facilitate meaningful change. Effective self-change hinges on understanding and applying key tools such as motivation and goal setting, which help sustain efforts toward long-term health benefits.
Motivation and Self-Determination
Motivation, the driving force behind behavior, plays a pivotal role at every stage of the change process. The research...
Motivation and Self-Determination
Motivation, the driving force behind behavior, plays a pivotal role at every stage of the change process. The research...
306