Durham Research Recognised in New WHO Childhood Obesity Guidelines

The guidelines draw on several internationally significant research outputs from Durham, including three Cochrane systematic reviews examining obesity prevention interventions for children and young people, alongside evidence from the NIHR-funded ESSCOPE project. Together, these studies have helped strengthen the evidence base informing global policy and practice in childhood obesity prevention.

While the WHO guidance focuses largely on the management and treatment of obesity, it also includes a notable emphasis on physical activity, particularly in relation to equity and disability. The inclusion of these themes reflects the growing influence of research highlighting the importance of accessible opportunities for physical activity in supporting children's health and wellbeing.

The citation of Durham-led research within WHO guidance represents a significant achievement, demonstrating how research conducted in the Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences is contributing to discussions and decision-making at the highest international level.

For Professor Carolyn Summerbell and her collaborators, this recognition highlights years of work dedicated to understanding how best to prevent obesity in childhood and improve health outcomes for future generations.

The inclusion of Durham research in these influential guidelines is a testament to the department's commitment to producing high-quality, impactful research that helps shape policy and improve lives around the world.

Read the WHO Guidelines here:

• WHO guidelines on the integrated management of obesity in children
• WHO guidelines on the integrated management of obesity in adolescents

• Phillips SM, Spiga F, Moore THM, Dawson S, Stockton H, Rizk R, et al. Interventions to prevent obesity in children aged 2 to 4 years old. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2025, Issue 6. Art. No.: CD015326 (https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD015326.pub2).
• Spiga F, Davies AL, Tomlinson E, Moore THM, Dawson S, Breheny K, et al. Interventions to prevent obesity in children aged 5 to 11 years old. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2024, Issue 5. Art. No.: CD015328 (https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD015328.pub2).
• Spiga F, Tomlinson E, Davies AL, Moore THM, Dawson S, Breheny K, et al. Interventions to prevent obesity in children aged 12 to 18 years old. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2024, Issue 5. Art. No.: CD015330 (https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD015330.pub2).
• Davies AL, Spiga F, Caldwell DM, Savović J, Palmer JC, Tomlinson E, et al. Factors associated with the effectiveness of interventions to prevent obesity in children: a synthesis of evidence from 204 randomised trials. BMJ Public Health. 2025 May 12;3(1):e001707 (https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjph-2024 001707)