@article{fdi:010061397,
  title = {{D}eveloping national obesity policy in middle-income countries : a case study from {N}orth {A}frica},
  author = {{H}oldsworth, {M}ichelle and {E}l {A}ti, {J}. and {B}our, {A}. and {K}ameli, {Y}ves and {D}erouiche, {A}. and {M}illstone, {E}. and {D}elpeuch, {F}rancis},
  editor = {},
  language = {{ENG}},
  abstract = {{B}ackground {T}he prevalence of overweight and obesity is a rapidly growing threat to public health in both {M}orocco and {T}unisia, where it is reaching similar proportions to high-income countries. {D}espite this, a national strategy for obesity does not exist in either country. {T}he aim of this study was to explore the views of key stakeholders towards a range of policies to prevent obesity, and thus guide policy makers in their decision making on a national level. {M}ethods {U}sing {M}ulticriteria {M}apping, data were gathered from 82 stakeholders (from 33 categories in {M}orocco and 36 in {T}unisia) who appraised 12 obesity policy options by reference to criteria of their own choosing. {R}esults {T}he feasibility of policies in practical or political terms and their cost were perceived as more important than how effective they would be in reducing obesity. {T}here was most consensus and preference for options targeting individuals through health education, compared with options that aimed at changing the environment, i.e. modifying food supply and demand (providing healthier menus/changing food composition/food sold in schools); controlling information (advertising controls/mandatory labelling) or improving access to physical activity. {I}n {T}unisia, there was almost universal consensus that at least some environmental-level options are required, but in {M}orocco, participants highlighted the need to raise awareness within the population and policy makers that obesity is a public health problem, accompanied by improving literacy before such measures would be accepted. {C}onclusion {W}hilst there is broad interest in a range of policy options, those measures targeting behaviour change through education were most valued. {T}he different socioeconomic, political and cultural contexts of countries need to be accounted for when prioritizing obesity policy. {O}besity was not recognized as a major public health priority; therefore, convincing policy makers about the need to prioritize action to prevent obesity, particularly in {M}orocco, will be a crucial first step.},
  keywords = {{O}besity ; {A}frica ; policy ; policy makers ; decision making ; stakeholders ; {MAROC} ; {TUNISIE}},
  booktitle = {},
  journal = {{H}ealth {P}olicy and {P}lanning},
  volume = {28},
  numero = {8},
  pages = {858--870},
  ISSN = {0268-1080},
  year = {2013},
  DOI = {10.1093/heapol/czs125},
  URL = {https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010061397},
}