Details

Purpose

By sharing the first experience of applying a systems approach to tackling obesity and malnutrition in all its forms in over 10 low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), this symposium helps advance methodological development of this new intervention approach globally.

Rationale

Our global scoping review of authentic applications of a systems approach to obesity interventions revealed no published work from LMICs. This raises the question of whether this approach is feasible in non-western, LMIC settings. Moreover, previous applications focused on a single form of malnutrition (e.g. obesity), despite this approach has the potential to facilitate identification of common divers and solutions for malnutrition in all its forms.

Objectives

Presenters from three countries will share empirical experience from more than 10 LMIC countries across 2 continents. Objectives are:

1.Sharing practical insights, such as what work (what do not work) as well as recommendations for future work

2.Describing cultural and methodological adaptations or innovations to suit research contexts

3.Identifying similarities and differences in practice between a) the countries covered by the presenters; and 2) high-income and LMIC countries

4.Providing an interactive platform for international audience to provide feedback, ask questions and consider the feasibility of applying a systems approach in their home countries

Summary and Format

Dr Bai Li (chair, UK) will introduce the rationale and objectives of the symposium (10 minutes) before giving the 1^st presentation (15 minutes) reporting findings from a MRC-funded project that aimed to apply a systems approach to developing multi-duty interventions to reduce malnutrition in all its forms in China and SEA countries. Professor Steve Allender (Australia) will then share lessons from 20 years of community-based childhood obesity prevention from countries across the South Pacific including Fiji and Tonga (15 minutes). Dr Mohammed Alharbi (Saudi Arabia) will share his studies on the feasibility of applying a systems approach to developing obesity prevention interventions in the Middle East (15 minutes). Dr Li will highlight the similarities and differences in practice across different settings before Professor Harry Rutter (discussant) opens the discussion section (20 minutes).

Interaction

Questions and feedback are welcomed throughout the symposium. At the discussion section, we will encourage the audience to name their home countries and discuss the feasibility of applying a systems approach in their home countries. Digitally, we will also use a Padlet Board to maximise engagement and produce a live map showing all countries being discussed and key suggestions.

Speaker