An action‐oriented framework for systems‐based solutions aimed at childhood obesity prevention in US Latinx and Latin American populations

Abstract

Summary Childhood obesity in US Latinx and Latin American populations is a persistent, complex public health issue and, as such, requires solutions grounded on systems science theory and methods. In this paper, we introduce an action‐oriented framework to design, implement, evaluate, and sustain whole‐of‐community systems changes for childhood obesity prevention in US Latinx and Latin American populations. Our framework covers six action steps: (1) foster multisectoral team; (2) map the system, its context, and drivers; (3) envision system‐wide changes; (4) effect system‐wide changes; (5) monitor, learn, and adapt; and (6) scale and sustain. We also propose 10 principles that put human and environmental rights and systems thinking at the center of these systems‐based solutions. For each action step, we provide a list of concrete activities, methods, approaches, and examples that can be used to guide and inform the work needed to achieve the expected outputs. Finally, we discuss how a wider adoption of systems science for childhood obesity prevention among US Latinx and Latin American populations can be encouraged and sustained.

Childhood obesity prevention across borders: The promise of U.S.–Latin American research collaboration

“… 21 The findings from the implementation science article 26 further illustrate the need for utilizing systems analysis methods to better understand the complex implementation dynamics of childhood obesity policies. 21 …”

“…An article in this series introduces an action-oriented framework that addresses the need for a practical roadmap on how to incorporate and use systems thinking theory and methods to design, implement, evaluate, and sustain systems changes for childhood obesity prevention. 21 The findings from the implementation science article 26 further illustrate the need for utilizing systems analysis methods to better understand the complex implementation dynamics of childhood obesity policies. 21 Another method, the International Network for Food and Obesity Research, Monitoring, and Action Support (INFORMAS) provides a useful framework for identifying and monitoring key elements of the food environment and how they interact to produce effects on children's diet and health.…”

“…21 The findings from the implementation science article 26 further illustrate the need for utilizing systems analysis methods to better understand the complex implementation dynamics of childhood obesity policies. 21 Another method, the International Network for Food and Obesity Research, Monitoring, and Action Support (INFORMAS) provides a useful framework for identifying and monitoring key elements of the food environment and how they interact to produce effects on children's diet and health. 15 This standardized method produces measures used to evaluate important food and nutrition policies related to food labeling and advertising and pricing.…”

“…Salvo et al 20 conducted a scoping review and stakeholder survey to assess and build research capacity needs in childhood obesity and address capacity gaps and strategies to strengthen capacity. Garcia et al 21 introduce the application of systems sciences and an action‐oriented framework based on its theory and methods to address whole‐of‐community systems changes for childhood obesity prevention in U.S. Latino and Latin American populations. Perng et al 22 conducted a narrative review on the role of obesogenic endocrine disrupting chemicals in the etiology of childhood obesity among Latin youth in the United States and Latin America.…”

“…Embracing the inherent complexity of the multilevel factors and stakeholders impacting this field through the lens of systems science theory and methods could help in formulating a collection of actions and solutions that together could advance the field. 21 However, most of the literature regarding systems science is oriented towards the description of the theory rather than presenting models for its application. An article in this series introduces an action‐oriented framework that addresses the need for a practical roadmap on how to incorporate and use systems thinking theory and methods to design, implement, evaluate, and sustain systems changes for childhood obesity prevention.…”