Perceptions of the contribution of psychosocial factors to obesity: Development of a cultural consensus model in the UK general practice setting. (360G-Wellcome-102479_Z_13_Z)

There is strong evidence that socio-economic inequalities are at the root of obesity. It has been hypothesised that the insecurities associated with inequalities cause psychosocial stress, which leads to obesogenic (obese-generating) behaviours. If stress is a driving factor in obesity, how should primary care obesity services should be configured? A meta-ethnography conducted by the applicant indicates general practitioners (GPs) tend to believe patients are to blame for obesity and their own r ole should be limited, despite clinical guidance emphasising their role. Patients, particularly parents, express a need for support, and may feel stigmatised. This study will test the relationship between socio-economic insecurity, psychosocial stress and obesogenic behaviour. It will develop a cultural consensus model, a methodology used to identify commonly held (cultural) views. A questionnaire will be administered to mothers and GPs, and responses will be analysed using exploratory facto r analysis. The aims are to estimate group beliefs held by GPs and mothers about the effects of: 1) factors of insecurity (competition, uncertainty and perceived inequality) on chronic life stress; 2) chronic life stress on obesogenic behaviours. Understanding of psychosocial factors contribution to obesogenic behaviours can inform culturally appropriate, patient-focused obesity services.