Complex problems, local solutions: Understanding systems approaches to obesity prevention in the UK

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Systems Science
• Obesity Prevention

Background:

• Obesity prevention is a complex public health issue demanding multi-sectoral collaboration.
• Systems approaches provide a framework for tackling this complexity, yet operational evidence is scarce.
• Understanding the local implementation of these approaches in the UK is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the design, implementation, and evaluation of systems approaches for obesity prevention at the UK local level.
• To identify factors associated with the maturity of these systems approaches.
• To inform future strategies for effective obesity prevention.

Main Methods:

• A 38-item Systems Approach Survey was co-designed and administered to 178 UK local public health teams.
• Data collection occurred from April to October 2024, involving quantitative and qualitative analysis.
• Findings were analyzed descriptively and by content analysis, presented by nation and maturity tertile.

Main Results:

• 39% of teams (70) reported implementing a systems approach, engaging an average of 12 sectors.
• Approaches were often aligned with other social issues like food insecurity.
• Formal evaluation was limited (39%), with higher maturity in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland; senior leadership support was key.

Conclusions:

• Systems approaches for local obesity prevention are nascent across the UK, with implementation in early phases.
• Despite recognizing obesity's complexity, local teams require enhanced support to intervene effectively in obesogenic environments.
• Further research and resources are needed to advance mature and impactful systems-based obesity prevention strategies.