Headteachers’ and chairs of governors’ perspectives on adolescent obesity and its prevention in English secondary school settings

Background Secondary schools are an important setting for preventing obesity in adolescence. Headteachers and chairs of governors are identified in national guidance as crucial stakeholders for school-based preventative action. Despite this, their views remain unexplored and unrepresented.

Methods A sequential mixed method study was conducted. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with a purposive sample of 22 secondary school headteachers and chairs of governors in England. Data were thematically analysed and informed the development of a descriptive cross-sectional survey, completed by 127 participants from the same population.

Results Unhealthy dietary and sedentary behaviours were viewed as a more significant problem than adolescent obesity. Obesity was perceived as complex and multi-causal, and a range of stakeholders were deemed to have responsibility for its prevention, most notably parents. Support was identified for the role of secondary schools, although this was not an explicit priority and extensive internal and external barriers exist, which hinder preventative action.

Conclusions Whilst secondary school settings in England remain an important setting for the prevention of adolescent obesity, it is crucial for policy makers and public health professionals to recognize the factors affecting school leaders’ ability and willingness to contribute to this agenda.