Understanding Barriers to Health Behaviours in 13-17-Year-Olds: A Whole Systems Approach in the Context of Obesity

This study examined factors influencing health behaviours among 13-17-year-olds in Surrey, focusing on rising obesity rates and socioeconomic disparities using a whole systems approach to capture both the stakeholders' voice and the young people's voices.

The research involved two components: a survey of youth service providers (e.g., teachers, youth workers; n = 35) and focus groups with adolescents (n = 27).

The survey revealed challenges faced by stakeholders, including insufficient training, environmental factors (e.g., schools, social media, food systems), and limited support from parents and healthcare professionals. The focus groups identified two key themes: (1) domains of care, for example diet and how availability and cost of food affects food choices, and (2) barriers and solutions, addressing financial, structural, and emotional obstacles to and facilitators of a healthy lifestyle. Transcending these themes was the key role of health inequalities linked to income, geography, and gender.

This study underscores the complexity of adolescent health behaviours and calls for a multi-level, coordinated approach to address inequalities and foster supportive environments for healthier choices.