Study design in obesity epidemiology research

Abstract Obesity is a condition that arises from multiple factors and results in multiple consequences. A useful model for framing the spectrum of obesity epidemiology research can be found in Kim and Popkin (2006). In this multilevel framework, overweight and obese lie in the middle as the product of many different potential causes and as a cause of many different potential health consequences. Designing research that accurately characterizes the nature of this extremely complex and chronic yet dynamic condition can be a challenging task. This chapter serves as an overview of the major research methods encountered in obesity research and common problems that researchers must be aware of in study design and interpretation.