Even small amounts of weight loss may lead to meaningful improvements in health
Despite moderate weight loss being heralded as the threshold to see health improvemnts, our research suggests that the health benefits of low-level weight loss should not be overlooked.
Early prevention matters: the role of preschool interventions in childhood obesity prevention
Universal early childhood interventions show modest effects on weight outcomes. But at scale, they could play an important role in obesity prevention.
Can weight loss improve employment prospects? Evidence suggests a link, but not clear answers
Having a higher BMI has been linked to with unemployment, sick leave, and lower productivity, but does having a higher BMI cause these outcomes? Evidence is mixed and limited.
Physical activity screening tools may help identify inactive people, but what happens next?
The General Practice Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPPAQ) helps identify inactive people, but our research found that follow-up is minimal, and may not lead to improved physical activity levels.
Evidence suggests non-fiscal food policies may help drive healthier food reformulation
Reformulating food and drink products to contain less sugar, salt, and fat is a strategy to improve diet. Non-fiscal policies may play an important role in driving healthier product reformulation.
Children say obesity policies need clearer communication and stronger protection from food marketing
Public health obesity policies have increased in recent years in attempt to curb rising obesity rates. Focus group discussions with children in England suggest they may view these policies as harmful.
The NIHR Policy Research Unit in Healthy Weight is part of the NIHR and hosted by UCL.
UCL Hosted PRUs
- Policy Research Unit in Reproductive Health
- Policy Research Unit in Cancer Screening
- Policy Research Unit in Mental Health
- Policy Research Unit in Children and Families
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