The application of theories of the policy process to obesity prevention: a systematic review and meta-synthesis

Abstract

BackgroundTheories of the policy process are recommended as tools to help explain both policy stasis and change.MethodsA systematic review of the application of such theoretical frameworks within the field of obesity prevention policy was conducted. A meta-synthesis was also undertaken to identify the key influences on policy decision-making.ResultsThe review identified 17 studies of obesity prevention policy underpinned by political science theories. The majority of included studies were conducted in the United States (US), with significant heterogeneity in terms of policy level (e.g., national, state) studied, areas of focus, and methodologies used. Many of the included studies were methodologically limited, in regard to rigour and trustworthiness. Prominent themes identified included the role of groups and networks, political institutions, and political system characteristics, issue framing, the use of evidence, personal values and beliefs, prevailing political ideology, and timing.ConclusionsThe limited application of political science theories indicates a need for future theoretically based research into the complexity of policy-making and multiple influences on obesity prevention policy processes.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12889-016-3639-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A multi-country survey of public support for food policies to promote healthy diets: Findings from the International Food Policy Study

“…Despite these recommendations and evidence for the influential role of the food environment, there is lower support among policymakers for policies directed at food environments [7]. Multiple barriers contribute to this limited support and implementation of such policies, including food industry lobbying and relationships with key policymakers, fewer health advocacy resources, and political climates where governments prioritise economic prosperity and favour reduced intervention to encourage market and personal freedom [8,9]. In addition, there is often a lack of rigorous populationlevel research evaluating the impact of policies, particularly when they are implemented at a national level, resulting in limited evidence to inform or support government decisions [8].…”

“…Multiple barriers contribute to this limited support and implementation of such policies, including food industry lobbying and relationships with key policymakers, fewer health advocacy resources, and political climates where governments prioritise economic prosperity and favour reduced intervention to encourage market and personal freedom [8,9]. In addition, there is often a lack of rigorous populationlevel research evaluating the impact of policies, particularly when they are implemented at a national level, resulting in limited evidence to inform or support government decisions [8]. An unknown or perceived lack of public support may also contribute to the limited range of implemented policies, as governments may be less inclined to implement policies unless they are strongly supported by the voting public [10].…”

Curcumin improves glycolipid metabolism through regulating peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ signalling pathway in high-fat diet-induced obese mice and 3T3-L1 adipocytes

“…Currently, various drugs have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to treat obesity in adults, but serious side effects of these drugs have limited their application [ 8 , 9 ]. Fortunately, several commonly used medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds have been shown to prevent obesity and its related metabolic disorders in traditional Chinese medicine.…”

Policymakers and institutional structures affecting health inequality in Ethiopia: a Qualitative Study

“…The right knowledge and perception are important in making sensitive policy decisions, and the case of Ethiopia will be no different (39). The policy makers' knowledge and misconceptions appeared to be improving slowly from a low base in Ethiopia.…”