Accumulating Data to Optimally Predict Obesity Treatment (ADOPT) Core Measures: Environmental Domain

Area of Science:

• Obesity Research
• Environmental Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Growing interest exists in the relationship between environmental factors and adult weight, activity, and eating behaviors.
• Limited knowledge exists regarding environmental factors' impact on individual variability in intentional weight loss or maintenance outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify a concise set of objective and perceived neighborhood and social environment constructs and measures.
• To assess the impact of these constructs on adult weight loss and maintenance treatment response.

Main Methods:

• The Accumulating Data to Optimally Predict obesity Treatment (ADOPT) Core Measures Project's environmental domain subgroup convened.
• The subgroup identified key constructs and measures related to neighborhood and social environments.

Main Results:

• Recommended constructs include walkability, land use mix, food outlet accessibility, food availability, socioeconomics, crime safety, social norms, and social support.
• Both objective and perceived measures were recommended for neighborhood and social environment characterization.
• A total of 12 constructs and corresponding measures were identified for systematic examination.

Conclusions:

• The identified measures provide a succinct and comprehensive set for future studies.
• This systematic approach will enhance the examination of environmental impacts on adult weight management.
• Understanding these environmental factors is crucial for effective obesity treatment and maintenance strategies.