Obesity Strategic Network

Overview

Overweight and obesity persist in the UK and place both personal and economic strain on society. The strong association of excess weight with other chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease further increase this burden.

The network brings together experts from all over the UK, and beyond, from a range of disciplines in academia, retail, local government and charities to explore and generate ideas to make best use of the wealth of data to inform positive change.

The datasets include lifestyle and activity statistics, such as the number of gym memberships in an area or proximity to green space; consumer behaviour trends, such as retail data on food purchases; and health data, such as the annual Health Survey for England.

The focus of the network is towards understanding elements of the environment which both promote and discourage the likelihood of becoming overweight or obese with view to positively improve these for a healthier future.

Investigator Team

Professor Mark Birkin
Professor of Spatial Analysis and Policy and Director of the Consumer Data Research Centre (CDRC)

Dr Michelle Morris
Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Consumer Data Research Centre

Professor Steven Cummins
Professor of Population Health & NIHR Senior Fellow, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

Dr Pablo Monsivais
Programme lead – Dietary public health research, Centre for Diet and Activity Research, University of Cambridge

Dr Claire Griffiths
Senior Lecturer, Leeds Beckett University

Professor Jamie Pearce
Professor of Health Geography, Centre for Research on Environment Society and Health

Network Meetings

For further information on past meetings or booking details for future meetings, please visit the Obesity Network Website.