Abstract
BackgroundObesity is a key risk factor for developing a long-term condition and a leading cause of mortality globally. The limited evidence associated with interventions that currently target obesity-related behaviours demand new approaches to tackle this problem. Given the evidence that social ties are implicated in the gaining and reduction of weight, the use of social networks in interventions is potentially a novel and useful means of tackling this health issue. There is a specific gap in the literature regarding what and how social network properties and processes together with environmental and individual factors influence the adoption of positive and negative obesity-related behaviours in adults.MethodsTo address this gap in developing an integrated and holistic conceptual approach, a critical interpretative synthesis was undertaken following a line of argument synthesis as an analytical strategy.ResultsTwenty-four studies were included. The data-driven themes meso-micro network processes, contextual and individual factors, and types of ties and properties were identified individually as components and causes of different health scenarios. Nevertheless, these drivers do not act on their own. As a consequence, developing multi-agent coalitions considering cross-level influences between the data-driven themes are two mechanisms that are created to understand more in-depth how social networks and the environment influence the adoption of obesity-related behaviours. These two new constructs point to a dynamic multilevel set of influences between multiple constructs, developing scenarios where positive and negative health results are identified.ConclusionsThis critical interpretative synthesis offers a new means of exploring the application of social network properties and mechanisms in the ‘obesity’ field. The synthesizing argument created during the analysis process might be considered by health policy-makers, who might need to contemplate the wider open system of socially connected individuals and harness these forces to design new interventions where social networks and other contextual and individual factors operate together in a complex multilevel environment influencing obesity-related behaviours and practices.
Highlights
Obesity is a key risk factor for developing a long-term condition and a leading cause of mortality globally
Diabetes-related terms were included in the list of terms connected with Long-term conditions (LTCs). The reason for this was that we found several articles regarding how social networks influence diabetes and that diabetes and obesity have several health behaviours in common, such as diet and physical activity
The aim is to provide a whole and innovative vision of an event, certain factors might require more in-depth analysis using other strategies and more empirical work. This critical interpretative synthesis (CIS) offers a new way to understand the use of social networks in the ‘obesity’ field in open settings
Summary
Obesity is a key risk factor for developing a long-term condition and a leading cause of mortality globally. Obesity is a leading public health challenge in developed and developing countries It has reached epidemic proportions globally, with at least 2.8 million people dying each year as a result of being affected by overweight or obesity [1] and represents a key risk factor of developing a long-term condition (LTC) [2]. The estimated prevalence of individuals with obesity has increased from 921 million in 1980 to 2.1 billion in 2013 [3]. In the National Health System (NHS) the costs of treating overweight and obesity have increased from £479.3 million in 1998 to £4.2 billion in 2007 [7]. In relation to LTCs in the United Kingdom, 70% of total health costs account for this health issue [8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
