The case for developing a cohesive systems approach to research across unhealthy commodity industries

Cécile Knai, Mark Petticrew, Simon Capewell, Rebecca Cassidy, Jeff Collin, Steven Cummins, Elisabeth Eastmure, Patrick Fafard, Niamh Fitzgerald, Anna M. Gilmore, Benjamin Hawkins, Jørgen Dejgård Jensen, Srinivasa Vittal Katikireddi, Nason Maani, Nicholas Mays, Modi Mwatsama, Rima Nakkash, Jim Orford, Harry Rutter, Natalie SavonaMay C I van Schmalwyk, Heide Weishaar

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Abstract

Objectives Most non-communicable diseases are preventable and largely driven by the consumption of harmful products, such as tobacco, alcohol, gambling and ultra-processed food and drink products, collectively termed unhealthy commodities. This paper explores the links between unhealthy commodity industries (UCIs), analyses the extent of alignment across their corporate political strategies, and proposes a cohesive systems approach to research across UCIs.

Methods We held an expert consultation on analysing the involvement of UCIs in public health policy, conducted an analysis of business links across UCIs, and employed taxonomies of corporate political activity to collate, compare and illustrate strategies employed by the alcohol, ultra-processed food and drink products, tobacco and gambling industries.

Results There are clear commonalities across UCIs’ strategies in shaping evidence, employing narratives and framing techniques, constituency building and policy substitution. There is also consistent evidence of business links between UCIs, as well as complex relationships with government agencies, often allowing UCIs to engage in policy-making forums. This knowledge indicates that the role of all UCIs in public health policy would benefit from a common approach to analysis. This enables the development of a theoretical framework for understanding how UCIs influence the policy process. It highlights the need for a deeper and broader understanding of conflicts of interests and how to avoid them; and a broader conception of what constitutes strong evidence generated by a wider range of research types.

Conclusion UCIs employ shared strategies to shape public health policy, protecting business interests, and thereby contributing to the perpetuation of non-communicable diseases. A cohesive systems approach to research across UCIs is required to deepen shared understanding of this complex and interconnected area and also to inform a more effective and coherent response.
Original languageEnglish
Article numbere003543
JournalBMJ Global Health
Volume6
Issue number2
Number of pages11
Publication statusPublished - 2021

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