Stephanie Beecroft: A qualitative exploration of local authority approaches to address obesity in Yorkshire and Humber
Stephanie’s doctoral research is focused on how local authorities in South Yorkshire apply different approaches to obesity. She is especially interested in how weight-neutral and whole system approaches can to used to measure alternative measures of success such as quality of life and the reduction of health inequalities.
Hi Stephanie! First of all, please tell us a bit about what is your PhD research focused on
My PhD is exploring how local authorities in Yorkshire and Humber are addressing obesity using different types of approaches such as whole systems, traditional, tiered weight management services and compassionate or weight neutral support.
Traditional weight management interventions often provide a ‘one size fits all’ approach, where weight loss is the defining measurement for success. With this approach, patients gradually return to their baseline weight within two to five years and patients often feel stigmatised by their weight.
The compassionate or weight neutral approach is shifting the focus from weight reduction to encouraging self-compassion and tailoring goal setting to health focused changes which are patient led.
A whole systems approach aims to reduce health inequalities by bringing local stakeholders together to evaluate their environment and factors which influence obesity rates, and work to make adaptations within their system to bring long-term positive changes to improve overall health.
The aim of my project is to explore these approaches to addressing obesity in Yorkshire and Humber to understand what approaches are taken and why. The outcome of this project is intended to develop recommendations as a resource for key stakeholders implementing obesity strategies and inform decision making for national and local policy.
Why is it an important area of study?
Obesity is a complex, chronic disease with multifaceted determinants which can have a multitude of negative influences on an individual’s physical and emotional health. In England, 25.9% of adults live with obesity and 37.9% live with excess body weight; this number has increased over the last thirty years.
The use of interventions which focus on individual lifestyle behaviours has failed to reduce the prevalence of obesity in England. Not only have traditional interventions been unsuccessful in helping people improve their health, but patients also often feel judged, blamed, and stigmatised by healthcare professionals due to their weight, and poor continuity of care can lead to patient disengagement.
It is so important to change the way we talk and think about obesity to ensure that we are fighting against weight stigma and shifting the focus from weight loss to a healthy lifestyle. Future obesity strategies should focus on wider determinants of health in ways that readily lead to implementation and evaluation, and alternative ways in which success is measured such as quality of life and the reduction of health inequalities.
Tell us about your career/academic journey so far
I have a BA (Hons) in Philosophy and an MSc in Applied Sport & Exercise Nutrition. Before starting my PhD, I was working as a health and wellbeing coach. I gained experience delivering health coaching in the NHS for primary care networks, national programmes such as the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme and for a premier league football club charity.
Since starting my PhD, I have started working as a coordinator for the Yorkshire Obesity Research Alliance (YORA). YORA is a community of academics, regional and local government policy makers and practitioners, clinicians, key stakeholders and members of the general public with an interest in obesity research within the Yorkshire & Humber area. The work of YORA is intended to directly contribute to the regions obesity practice and policy through collaboration and co-production. It has been an amazing opportunity to get involved with YORA alongside my studies.
Why did you choose to study with the AWRC/SHU?
Passion is at the heart of everything at the AWRC and it is a fantastic place to be a part of. It is great to be surrounded by incredible researchers who are dedicated to making an impact to real life issues and where supporting local communities is a priority.
What’s it like being a PhD student at the AWRC? What do you enjoy most?
Everyone is so friendly and helpful- you are made to feel welcome and a part of the team from the very beginning. When I was taken around the AWRC for my induction I was amazed by the amount of technology and equipment there and loved hearing about the real-life applications of the research taking place. It is a very inspiring place to be!
What do you hope to do after your PhD?
I am still in the first year of my PhD so finishing still feels like a long way off! I do hope to continue my academic career and continue research in weight management approaches, reducing weight stigma and supporting individuals living with obesity.