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Causal Loop Diagrams of Food Systems, Diet, and Obesity: A Scoping Review of Methods, Contextual Factors, and Outcomes
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Causal Loop Diagrams of Food Systems, Diet, and Obesity: A Scoping Review of Methods, Contextual Factors, and Outcomes

Ivana Stankov, Andres Useche, Peter Lekkas, Rosie Mae Henson, Irene Headen, Jonathan Purtle and Brent A Langellier
Obesity reviews, v 26(11), e13966
15 Jun 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/obr.13966
PMID: 40517776
url
https://doi.org/10.1111/obr.13966View
Published, Version of Record (VoR)CC BY-NC V4.0,  Open

Abstract

food environment system dynamics complex systems group model building
This scoping review characterizes the literature on qualitative systems methodologies that guide interest-holders in developing causal loop diagrams focused on food systems, diet, and obesity. Peer-reviewed research using interest-holder-driven causal loop diagrams to examine food environments, access, purchasing, diet, obesity, and related interventions/policies was included. A comprehensive search of six databases (ProQuest Central, Scopus, Web of Science, Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, and Emcare) yielded 40 eligible studies from a pool of 1370 unique records. We synthesize study characteristics, the intended uses of causal loop diagrams, methodological approaches, evaluation processes, and key findings. While all studies identified individual and behavioral drivers of obesity, studies based in the Global South more frequently featured structural factors such as racism, discrimination, crime, and incarceration. Papers focused on engaging minoritized populations similarly emphasized structural-level themes such as urban agriculture, gentrification, community investment, and capacity building. Our findings highlight the potential of causal loop diagrams to capture the interconnectedness and complexity of food systems, diet, and obesity, along with gaps in the geographical coverage of study efforts, as well as the representation of key populations in current conceptualizations of food systems. This review offers methodological insights for researchers and practitioners seeking to apply causal loop diagrams to understand and address complex public health issues related to food systems, diet, and obesity within their local contexts.

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Endocrinology & Metabolism
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