{
  "abstract": "Background Despite the recognition of childhood obesity as a systems problem, few academic studies have mapped the interacting factors that contribute to this issue; and none have done so from the perspective of local or regional governments, in the UK or elsewhere. The aim of this study was to develop a systems map that visualises the system that contributes to childhood obesity that English local authorities can influence.Methods Two systematic literature reviews were undertaken to develop a preliminary map on causal factors for childhood obesity. This map was then refined through semi-structured interviews with 25 stakeholders (local authority officers, individuals working with local authorities and academic experts).Results The final systems map reflected the causes of childhood obesity that local authorities can influence directly or indirectly. The map identified 34 factors arranged into 6 sub-systems: (1) physical activity environments, (2) food access, (3) commercial factors, (4) home and parental influences, (5) psychological and social factors, and (6) political and cultural factors. Seven key feedback loops of interest were identified, highlighting how structural, environmental, and behavioural drivers can reinforce unhealthy patterns or, conversely, be leveraged to promote healthier outcomes.Conclusion Our findings demonstrate the complex and interconnected landscape of childhood obesity that local authorities can influence. It highlights specific feedback loops that may offer important opportunities for intervention, the majority of which sit outside of local authority public health services. However, there are also significant influences outside the control of local authorities, which are likely to limit the ability of local authorities alone to achieve substantial change.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Denise Ndlovu"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Penryn, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Cornelia Guell"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "School of Health, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK"
      ],
      "name": "James Nobles"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Rajalakshmi Lakshman"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Oliver Mytton"
    }
  ],
  "title": "OP74 Understanding childhood obesity through local authority perspectives: a qualitative systems mapping study",
  "uid": "09c23a78-6766-5521-b50b-b99fa981b694"
}