This project establishes a multidisciplinary network to unite researchers, system partners, practitioners, and the community in a coordinated effort to tackle childhood obesity. By mapping local expertise and listening to young people’s lived experiences, we are creating a strategic roadmap for evidence-based interventions and large-scale research.
Background
Childhood obesity is one of the most pressing health challenges in the UK. Recent data shows that 1 in 7 children aged 2 to 15 were obese in 2022. This is not just a health issue, it is a national crisis with profound long-term consequences. Children living with obesity are significantly more likely to become adults with obesity, increasing their risk of developing preventable conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and mental health struggles. Beyond the human cost, the economic impact is staggering. The NHS spends billions annually treating obesity-related conditions. Despite this, current efforts to tackle the problem are often fragmented. Research, local healthcare services, and community support groups frequently work in isolation, meaning valuable evidence doesn't always lead to real-world change. This project is taking place to bridge those gaps. By creating a unified network and listening to the voices of young people, we are building a more efficient system that turns national priorities into local actions, ensuring a healthier future for the next generation.
Project Aims
This project aims to establish a multidisciplinary strategic framework to address the systemic challenges of childhood obesity by integrating academic research, clinical practice, and community insight. By formalising a collaborative network between the Research and Innovation Hub and the Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board (HWE ICB), the initiative seeks to support a coordinated approach to tackling childhood obesity. Key objectives include mapping the local landscape to identify service gaps, synthesising NIHR evidence into practical strategies, and co producing a research agenda through dedicated Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) workshops. Overall, the project functions as a feasibility phase to inform a major future funding application and to lay the groundwork for long term, policy relevant outcomes at regional and national levels.
Project Activity
- Map and connect existing expertise and knowledge across the system to build research and innovation capacity by linking initiatives across the ICS, University of Hertfordshire, system partners and NIHR infrastructure.
- Engage with PPI groups in priority-setting workshops to ensure that the developing work reflects community perspectives and lived experience.
- Develop a collaborative programme of work, informed by 1 and 2, building momentum and capacity for larger, ARC aligned research projects and future external funding.
Anticipated or actual outputs
The primary outputs of this initiative include a formal Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) workshop report capturing the lived experiences and priorities of young people, alongside ARC‑aligned peer‑reviewed publications that contribute to the national evidence base on multidisciplinary approaches to childhood obesity prevention. Together, these outputs will form the evidentiary foundation for at least one major ARC‑aligned grant application. Through synthesising existing NIHR evidence and undertaking a comprehensive local mapping exercise, the project identifies critical service gaps and aligns local activity with national strategic priorities.
By bringing together expertise from the university, system partners, and the community, the initiative supports a unified network focused on early detection and prevention, key priorities within the 10 Year Health Plan for England. The evidence generated will inform targeted interventions aimed at reducing health inequalities and improving long term outcomes for children and young people. The co produced PPI report further ensures that future service delivery is inclusive and grounded in the priorities of the communities it is intended to benefit.
Who is involved?
- Dr Sharon Mutare (PI), University of Hertfordshire
- Dr Rebecca Hadley, University of Hertfordshire
- Research Fellow (TBC), University of Hertfordshire
Contact
Sharon Mutare, s.mutare@herts.ac.uk
