Research priorities for psychosocial interventions in obesity care: Outcomes from a Canadian research summit

Background: Psychosocial and behavioural interventions are a core pillar of obesity care alongside metabolic and bariatric surgery and pharmacotherapy. However, research priorities to advance psychosocial obesity care have not yet been systematically identified in Canada. Objective: To identify national research priorities for psychosocial and behavioural interventions in obesity care from Canadian knowledge users. Methods: This was a Canadian research priority-setting consultation conducted through the virtual National Obesity Psychosocial Research Summit in September 2024. Participants included researchers, clinicians, administrators, and people with lived experience (PWLE) across Canada (N = 48). Summit attendees discussed current research priorities in psychosocial obesity care in breakout discussions followed by plenary report-backs. Facilitator notes and transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis to generate priority areas. Participants subsequently ranked priorities in an online survey. Results: Six research priority areas were identified for psychosocial interventions in obesity care: (1) establishing systems that improve the quality and rigor of behavioural research; (2) addressing weight stigma and environmental determinants of outcomes; (3) developing consensus around research measures that evaluate the impact of behavioural treatments on outcomes other than weight (e.g., quality of life, pain reduction); (4) advancing precision-based and culturally responsive care approaches; (5) improving public, patient, and provider education regarding psychosocial care; and (6) expanding study designs and delivery modalities to enhance accessibility and scalability. Conclusions: These six priorities provide a roadmap to guide collaboration, funding, and implementation efforts to strengthen psychosocial care in obesity management.