JENNIFER HALLDÈN: How can we prevent obesity among young adults in socioeconomically vulnerable areas?

Project description

Obesity is a public health issue with consequences for both the individual and society. Obesity increases the risk of several diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, various forms of cancer, cardiovascular diseases and can lead to a shorter life expectancy. More than 50% of Sweden’s population is overweight or obese, and the prevalence increases with age. Furthermore, overweight and obesity develop earlier in life compared to preceding generations, and young adults are the age group with the highest risk of weight gain compared to other age groups. The prevalence of obesity is not evenly distributed in the population, rather, low socioeconomic status, both at the individual and area level, is associated with a higher prevalence of obesity. The causes of obesity are considered multifactorial and incomplete understood, including genetic, environmental, psychological, nutritional, and metabolic factors. An individual’s diet and physical activity play an important role, however these factors are largely influenced by environmental and societal conditions. 

 
The potential health consequences, the increasing prevalence, and the earlier onset of obesity for every generation point to a need for improved prevention. But what does effective obesity prevention look like? And more specifically, what does effective prevention look like for the at-risk group of young adults in socioeconomically vulnerable areas? 

Aim

To identify barriers and facilitators, on the individual and the societal level, that influence young people’s ability to gain and maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle. A further aim is to use the knowledge gained in the first three studies to develop and evaluate a lifestyle intervention for obesity prevention among young adults in socioeconomic vulnerable areas.  

Method

Study 1 investigates which factors influence the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions addressing obesity prevention among young adults, and differences in relation to socioeconomic status. This is done through a systematic review that analyses randomised controlled studies published between the years 2000–2025, reporting socioeconomic status, and dealing with obesity prevention for young adults (18–30 years of age) with a BMI>25.  

Study 2 investigates which body fat measure best predicts cardiometabolic disease, cancer and mortality in a socioeconomic vulnerable population in relation to age, region of origin and socioeconomic status, as well as identifies interacting risk factors. This is done through a 15-year follow up of the MEDIM cohort (the impact of Migration and Ethnicity for Diabetes In Malmö) with registry data. 

Study 3 identifies barriers and facilitators for behaviour change that influence the ability of young adults to reach and maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle. This is done through a survey among young adults.  

Study 4 is a randomised controlled trial involving design, implementation and evaluation of an intervention to support lifestyle changes and weight loss among young adults in socioeconomic vulnerable areas. The aim of the intervention is to prevent obesity and cardiometabolic disease.

Relevance 

Improved prevention of obesity can lead to positive effects for both individuals and society, e.g. in the form of a reduced disease burden and longer life expectancy. This doctoral project will generate increased knowledge about important factors for obesity prevention among young adults in socioeconomic vulnerable areas. Hopefully, we can create a sustainable model for lifestyle change and obesity prevention for this “high-risk group” that can be implemented on a larger scale.