Obesity prevention - behavioural research

Research Areas

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

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.

Brown A, Siahpush M. Socioeconomic predictors of a sedentary lifestyle: results from the 2001 National Health Survey. Journal of Physical Activity and Health 2006; 3 (1): 90-101. [Abstract only]

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.

Morley B, Chapman K, Mehta K, King L, Swinburn B, Wakefield M. Parental awareness and attitudes about food advertising to children on Australian television. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health 2008; 32 (4): 341-347. [Abstract only]

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:

Morley B, Wakefield M, Dunlop S, Hill D. Impact of a mass media campaign linking abdominal obesity and cancer: a natural exposure evaluation. Health Education Research 2009; 24 (6): 1069-1079. [Abstract only]

Jalleh G, Donovan RJ, Slevin T, Dixon H. Efficacy of bowel cancer appeals for promoting physical activity. Health Promotion Journal of Australia 2005; 16 (2): 107-109. [Abstract only]

Dixon H, Mullins R, Wakefield M, Hill D. Encouraging the consumption of fruit and vegetables by older Australians: an experiential study. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior 2004; 36 (5): 245-249. [Abstract only]

Dixon H, Borland R, Segan S, Stafford H, Sindall C. Public reactions to Victoria's '2 Fruit 'n' 5 Veg Every Day' campaign and reported consumption of fruit and vegetables. Preventive Medicine 1998; 27 (4): 572-582. [Abstract only]

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.

Dixon HG, Scully ML, Wakefield MA, White VM, Crawford DA. The effects of television advertisements for junk food versus nutritious food on children's food attitudes and preferences. Social Science and Medicine 2007; 65: 1311-1323. [Abstract only]

Dixon H, Scully M, Parkinson K. Pester power: snack foods displayed at supermarket checkouts in Melbourne, Australia. Health Promotion Journal of Australia 2006; 17 (2): 124-127. [Abstract only]

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:

Kelly B, Hughes C, Chapman K, Louie J, Dixon H, Crawford J, King L, Daube M, Slevin T. Consumer testing of the acceptability and effectiveness of front-of-pack food labelling systems for the Australian grocery market. Health Promotion International 2009; 24 (2): 120-129. [Abstract only]

Contact: cbrc@cancervic.org.au