A policy assessment tool to identify causes of inequities that influence obesity prevalence
2025

A Tool to Assess Health Inequities in Obesity Policies

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Tim Lobstein, Mojca Gabrijelčič

Primary Institution: World Obesity Federation

Hypothesis

Can a policy assessment tool effectively identify the impact of health policies on obesity-related health inequities?

Conclusion

The proposed tool can help policymakers evaluate how their initiatives may affect health inequities related to obesity.

Supporting Evidence

  • Health impact assessments can provide insights into potential health outcomes.
  • Disparities in health status exist between populations of different social and economic status.
  • Policies that target societal factors may have a more direct impact on obesity.

Takeaway

This study created a tool to help people in charge of health policies understand if their decisions will make health differences better or worse for different groups of people.

Methodology

The study involved a literature review and the development of a framework to assess health equity impacts of various obesity-related policies.

Potential Biases

Potential biases may arise from the limited empirical evidence on health disparities and the subjective nature of the assessment process.

Limitations

The assessment process was based on online meetings and may not fully represent diverse perspectives; the tool's applicability outside the EU context is uncertain.

Participant Demographics

The study focuses on populations affected by obesity, including various socioeconomic and demographic groups.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.2471/BLT.24.292061

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication