Priorities in Obesity and Weight-related Research: The POWER Survey
The POWER project uses public and professional engagement strategies to identify and prioritise the most critical unanswered questions in obesity and weight-related research. Obesity is a significant, preventable health issue that places a growing burden on healthcare resources. Recognising that research priorities are often determined by researchers, this project adopts a more inclusive approach, engaging the public, healthcare professionals, and policymakers through surveys and workshops.
The process, modelled after the James Lind Alliance's approach, involves collecting potential research questions via an online survey, refining these into a prioritised list through public and stakeholder ratings, and finalising the top ten research questions in a collaborative workshop. This democratised method ensures the research agenda aligns more closely with societal needs and enhances the relevance of future studies.
By pinpointing these priorities, the POWER project aims to direct future research efforts, fostering more effective interventions to combat obesity and improve public health.
Project lead / contact: Ailsa Butler — Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford
Website: POWER: Priorities in Obesity and Weight-related Research Results — Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford
ARC theme: Changing Behaviours for Better Health and Preventing Disease
Who we're working with
Click the button below to download a list of the 50 organisations that took part in the survey.
Results: The final top 10
In 2020, we held a workshop for a group of survey respondents, members of the public and professionals to prioritise the questions further in a structured and collaborative consultation. A list of the top 10 research questions were agreed upon at this workshop.
These results are now shared with researchers, policy makers and the public.
| What are the most effective methods for weight loss? | What are the most effective methods for weight maintenance following weight loss? |
| What is the most effective and cost-effective mix of population/public health and individual interventions to tackle obesity? | What is the cost and affordability of a healthy balanced diet? What policy measures could make healthier foods more affordable and improve access to healthier diets? |
| Do interventions that target the ‘obesogenic environment’, such as community interventions, urban planning, placement of fast-food outlets or workplace polices, affect population mean weight? | How do demographic, social and cultural factors (e.g. age, socioeconomic status, lifestyle, environment, psychosocial functioning) affect weight status, weight gain and regional fat distribution? Are tailored weight loss methods more effective than general weight loss methods? |
| Do interventions (e.g. nutrition education and physical activity) in pre-school, primary school and secondary school reduce children’s risk of unhealthy weight gain and, if so, how do they act? | How accurate are existing models of health consequences of excess weight and the impact of weight loss? Which assumptions are critical in determining the long-term effectiveness and cost effectiveness of weight loss interventions? |
| What changes in supermarkets or the wider food industry are effective in promoting healthier diets? Does changing labelling and/or packaging on foods affect purchasing, consumption, and body weight? | What are the drivers of food choice, appetite, and intake? How does the brain control food intake? What are the brain responses to food during weight loss and following weight regain? |