Framing of childhood obesity in Spanish lay press

Abstract

Objective: To explore the frame, individual or collective, of childhood obesity in the main Spanish lay media. Method: Analysis of a convenience sample of 132 publications regarding childhood obesity (August 2016-September 2018). Descriptive analysis about approach, measures and causes of obesity and food industry influence in the development of the publication. Results: 47% of the publications presented an individual approach. 54% included eating and physical activity as cause. 29% of the measures propose a healthy environment and 27% individual recommendations. Individual frame was present in 77% of the news influenced by the industry. Conclusion: Publications on childhood obesity of the main Spanish lay press reveal a predominance of the individual approach to the problem. This majority perception may condition the development and implementation of public health policies or interventions.