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Empowerment in Obesity and Behavioral Weight‐Management Programmes: A Scoping Review

Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: In the UK, over 25% of adults are living with obesity, with disproportionately higher rates among Black adults (35%) and those in the most deprived areas (36%). Obesity is linked to increased comorbidity, mortality, stigma, and substantial annual health costs exceeding £11.4 billion. Behavioral weight-management programmes are the primary intervention recommended for obesity treatment, yet they demonstrate limited effectiveness, inadequate long-term support, a lack of personalized care and poor cultural relevance. Participatory approaches, that is, bottom-up strategies engaging communities, are increasingly applied in public health to address social determinants and reduce disparities. Individuals supported to manage their health and access care are considered "empowered"; however, this concept remains ambiguous, lacking clear definition and consistent application. Although global policy promotes empowerment to promote individual health, including weight-management, no review has explored its role within obesity and weight-management programmes. This scoping review examined how empowerment has been defined and implemented across behavioral weight-management programmes. Eleven studies were identified published between 2004 and 2023, revealing poor consensus in their theoretical foundations, definitions, and practical applications of empowerment, with no UK-based studies. To support conceptual clarity, studies definitions and empowerment-based processes were consolidated. Further research is needed in UK settings to help define empowerment in this context and to enable effective translation between research, practice, and policy.
DOI: 10.1111/obr.70141
Language: English
Subfield: Pharmacy
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $5,450
OpenAlex ID: W7155692189
FWCI:
Cites: 37
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