Intersectoral interventions for people living with obesity: a scoping review and bibliometric analysis.

BACKGROUND

Obesity is increasingly recognized as a complex chronic condition shaped by genetic, behavioural, social, and environmental factors. While intersectoral collaboration is considered essential to address these multifaceted drivers, few studies have systematically explored the nature and implementation of such interventions, particularly outside the clinical domain.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify and characterize intersectoral health interventions targeting people living with obesity within community and primary care settings, drawing from both scientific and grey literature.

METHODS

Following Arksey and O'Malley's framework, we conducted a scoping review searching across three academic databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science, and CINAHL) and multiple grey literature sources. Inclusion criteria focused on intersectoral interventions developed from 2006 to 2025, targeting adults living with obesity in high-income countries. Data extraction was guided by a concept map of determinants of health (DoH) developed in collaboration with patient-partners. A bibliometric analysis of included studies was also conducted using the VOSviewer® software.

RESULTS

Among 23 included records (20 peer-reviewed and 3 grey literature), most interventions originated from the United States and focused on lifestyle modification. While none explicitly defined "intersectorality," collaborations typically involved healthcare, academic, community, and faith-based organizations. Community health workers emerged as central actors linking clinical and social domains. Interventions often targeted minority populations and emphasized cultural relevance. However, outcome measures remained largely biomedical, with limited integration of DoH indicators.

CONCLUSION

Intersectoral interventions for people living with obesity remain under-conceptualized, despite growing implementation. To foster equity and person-centered care, future efforts must embed DoH into evaluation frameworks, support community health workers as structural agents of integration, and formalize intersectoral governance. Co-designed approaches grounded in community realities offer promising pathways for sustainable and inclusive obesity management strategies.