New study in Cornwall aims to tackle childhood obesity
Research trials seek to curb growing trends of overweight children
Last updated 5th Jun 2026
A new study focusing on combating childhood obesity is underway in Cornwall, led by Grace Cloke, a mental health support team manager for the Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.
Cloke's research targets the alarming statistic that 36% of children in the UK are overweight, a figure predicted to rise to 41% by 2034. Her study, named the 'mind power and healthy lifestyle study', aims to explore methods to prevent obesity in children and young adults, utilising early intervention strategies to establish healthier lifestyle habits.
The study consists of five papers, each presenting different approaches:
Paper 1: Developing a New Evaluation Tool
This involves creating and testing a tool to assess health and wellbeing resources for children, helping stakeholders identify effective educational materials for supporting healthy behaviour changes.
Paper 2: Helping Younger Children Build Healthy Habits
Focusing on children aged 4 to 6, this paper tests a storybook based on social learning theory, designed to engage children and parents in establishing healthy eating and activity habits.
Paper 3: Supporting Children and Parents Together
Targeting children aged 10 to 12, this research deploys a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) workbook along with telephone support for parents, thereby aiming to improve health beliefs and practices at home.
Paper 4: Combining Learning with Real Life Activities
This family program combines a CBT workbook with cooking classes from Jamie Oliver's Ministry of Food, alongside physical activity sessions, to evaluate if practical skills paired with psychological support can foster lasting healthy lifestyle changes.
Paper 5: A Digital Game for Teenagers
The final component tests an interactive digital game where adolescents learn about healthy eating and self-management by helping a character navigate a fictional 'junk food city'.
Cloke said, “Over the past 30 years, obesity has doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents. I want to find out how we can teach kids and teens new ways of thinking and learning. I hope it will help them make healthy choices and avoid problems with obesity.”
The first study has commenced, with expected results imminent. Cloke's efforts are being closely watched as she continues her research to combat childhood obesity.