Excess body weight has become an entrenched factor in contemporary society, driving increased morbidity and mortality. Common methods for monitoring children’s body weight, however, can carry stigma and negatively affect mental health.
Prof. David McCarthy’s research has provided novel tools for health practitioners to support the prevention, assessment and treatment of childhood obesity, addressing both the physical and mental health and well-being of children.
Prof. McCarthy’s development of the first set of national references for waist circumference centile charts has led his research to a unique range of impacts within clinical practice, health policy and ethical commerce.
A focus on waist rather than weight in clinical practice has helped to lessen the stigma associated with weighing, for example, and waist circumference centile charts continue to be used in guidance by NICE and the International Diabetes Federation.
The most unexpected impacts of Prof. McCarthy’s work, however, have arisen thanks to the Lottie doll. Based on the average proportions of a nine-year old child instead of the more traditional doll model of an adult woman, toy company Arklu’s Lottie doll was developed to address positive body image and promote diversity and gender equality.
In 2015, the Stargazer Lottie doll travelled to the International Space Station, spending 264 days in orbit to encourage girls’ participation in STEM subjects.
