title: Lost in translation? Theory, policy and practice in systems-based environmental approaches to obesity prevention in the Healthy Towns programme in England.
abstract: This paper explores how system-wide approaches to obesity prevention were 'theorised' and translated into practice in the 'Healthy Towns' programme implemented in nine areas in England. Semi-structured interviews with 20 informants, purposively selected to represent national and local programme development, management and delivery were undertaken. Results suggest that informants articulated a theoretical understanding of a system-wide approach to obesity prevention, but simplifying this complex task in the context of uncertainty over programme aims and objectives, and absence of a clear direction from the central government, resulted in local programmes relying on traditional multi-component approaches to programme delivery. The development of clear, practical guidance on implementation should form a central part of future system-wide approaches to obesity prevention.
authors: Department of Social and Environmental Health Research, Faculty of Public Health & Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, United Kingdom.
authors: Elena
authors: E
authors: Sautkina
authors: Department of Social and Environmental Health Research, Faculty of Public Health & Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, United Kingdom.
authors: Denise
authors: D
authors: Goodwin
authors: Department of Population Health & Primary Care, Norwich Medical School, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom.
authors: Andy
authors: A
authors: Jones
authors: MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Box 285 Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom; UKCRC Centre for Diet & Activity Research, Cambridge Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge, Forvie Site, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0SR, United Kingdom.
authors: David
authors: D
authors: Ogilvie
authors: Department of Social and Environmental Health Research, Faculty of Public Health & Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, United Kingdom.
authors: Mark
authors: M
authors: Petticrew
authors: Institute of Health & Society, Newcastle University, The Baddiley-Clark Building, Richardson Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE2 4AX, United Kingdom; Fuse, UKCRC Centre for Translational Research in Public Health, Newcastle University, The Baddiley-Clark Building, Richardson Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE2 4AX, United Kingdom.
authors: Martin
authors: M
authors: White
authors: Department of Social and Environmental Health Research, Faculty of Public Health & Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, United Kingdom. Electronic address: steven.cummins@lshtm.ac.uk.
authors: Steven
authors: S
authors: Cummins
mesh_terms: D004739:England; D004777:Environment; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016730:Program Development / Q000379:methods; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012307:Risk Factors; D013597:Systems Analysis
keywords: Complex interventions; Complex systems; Environment; Obesity; Policy translation