Obesity prevention behavioural research
Research areas: Population monitoring ι Public opinion ι Health education and social marketing ι Food marketing ι Food labelling
Population monitoring
Our research in this area is focused on measuring the distribution and frequency of overweight and obesity, physical activity and dietary behaviour in selected population sub-groups in Australia. We also monitor individual predispositions and external factors that may influence people's body weight, diet and physical activity.
Current research:
National Secondary Student's Diet and Activity (NaSSDA) Survey
2009-2010 NaSSDA Survey Report
The National Secondary Students' Diet and Activity (NaSSDA) survey 2009-10 was jointly funded by the state Cancer Councils, Cancer Council Australia and the National Heart Foundation of Australia. The study fills a significant gap in existing data in Australia by establishing an ongoing commitment to the standardised monitoring of adolescents' body weight, and dietary and physical activity behaviour at both a state and national level.
A nationally representative sample of 12,188 secondary school students from year levels 8 to 11, from 237 schools was surveyed. Data on students’ dietary, physical activity and sedentary behaviour were collected via a web-based questionnaire, and anthropometric measurements of students’ height, weight and waist circumference were taken by trained researchers in a confidential setting. Active parental consent was required for students to participate in each component of the study. An audit of the school food and activity environment was also conducted.
Research memos outlining results from the survey:
- Prevalence of Meeting Physical Activity Recommendations in Australian Secondary Students
- Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity in Australian Secondary Students
- Exposure and Influence of Food Marketing on Australian Secondary Students
- Prevalence of Meeting Healthy Eating Guidelines in Australian Secondary Students
- Prevalence of Meeting Recommendations for Small Screen Recreation in Australian Secondary Students
Relevant journal articles:
Brown A, Siahpush M. Risk factors for overweight and obesity: results from the 2001 National Health Survey. Public Health 2007; 121(8): 603-613. [Abstract only]
Scully M, Dixon H, White V, Beckmann K. Dietary, physical activity and sedentary behaviour among Australian secondary students in 2005. Health Promotion International 2007; 22 (3): 236-245.
Contact: cbrc@cancervic.org.au
Public opinion
Our research in this area is concerned with monitoring and aggregating public attitudes and beliefs relevant to obesity prevention. For example, assessing public opinion on the acceptability of potential public policy initiatives, or monitoring public understanding of risk factors associated with cancer. Such information is helpful in communicating prominent community views and concerns to decision makers.
Current research:
Obesity policy proposals: public acceptability
Public awareness of risk factors for cancer
Completed research:
Public awareness and attitudes of marketing of unhealthy food on TV
Relevant journal articles:
Cameron M, Scully M, Herd N, Jamsen K, Hill D, Wakefield M. The role of overweight and obesity in perceived risk factors for cancer: implications for education. Journal of Cancer Education In Press; accepted May 2009.
Contact: cbrc@cancervic.org.au
Health education and social marketing
Our research in this area focuses on assessing public responses to interventions aimed at promoting health protective behaviour and reducing risk factors for obesity-related cancers in target populations.
Current research:
Population-based evaluation of a mass media campaign linking abdominal obesity and cancer
Completed research:
Natural exposure evaluation of the ‘Piece of string' ad
Relevant journal articles:
Click here for relevant non peer reviewed papers and reports
Contact: cbrc@cancervic.org.au
Food marketing
Food marketing refers to commercial processes involved in promoting and selling and distributing food products and services. Our research in this area is focused on assessing consumer responses to specific forms of food industry marketing.
Relevant journal articles:
Scully M, Dixon H, Wakefield M. Association between commercial television exposure and fast food consumption among adults. Public Health Nutrition 2009; 12 (1): 105-110.
Contact: cbrc@cancervic.org.au
Food labelling
Laws require certain information to appear on labels of most pre-packed foods. Our research in this area is focused on determining which food labelling formats are most helpful in assisting consumers to make healthy and informed choices about the foods they buy and eat.
Relevant journal articles:
Contact: cbrc@cancervic.org.au
Journal publications from CBRC - Obesity prevention
A list of peer reviewed publications from 1998 onwards. Articles are also included in the above summaries.
Non-peer reviewed papers & reports - obesity prevention
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