Comparing complex perspectives on obesity drivers: action-driven communities and evidence-oriented experts

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Systems Science
• Obesity Research

Background:

• The Foresight obesity map is an expert-developed systems map detailing obesity drivers.
• Community-led causal loop diagrams support local obesity prevention efforts.
• This study quantitatively compares the Foresight map with a community-developed obesity map.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantitatively compare the Foresight obesity systems map with a community-developed map.
• To identify similarities and differences in how experts and community members conceptualize obesity drivers.
• To inform the development of community-based obesity prevention strategies.

Main Methods:

• Variables from the community map were coded against the Foresight map's thematic clusters.
• Network analysis techniques were used to identify central variables in both maps.
• The size and strength of causal relationships were compared between the two maps.

Main Results:

• The community map prioritized environmental influences (built activity environment, social psychology).
• The Foresight map's largest cluster was physiology, with minimal focus in the community map.
• Media and available time were common central variables; school and sports club environments were unique to the community map.

Conclusions:

• Community stakeholders prioritize modifiable social and environmental drivers of obesity.
• Expert and community maps show distinct focuses, with community maps highlighting environmental and social factors.
• Incorporating local perspectives through systems mapping is vital for effective community-based obesity prevention.