1 Apr 2009

The National Obesity Observatory has developed a Standard Evaluation Framework (SEF) to assist practitioners in the evaluation of weight management interventions.

The aim of the SEF is to support high quality, consistent evaluation of weight management interventions in order to increase the evidence base.

The SEF provides introductory guidance on the principles of evaluation, and lists ‘essential’ and ‘desirable’ criteria. Essential criteria are presented as the minimum recommended data for evaluating a weight management intervention. Desirable criteria are additional data that would enhance the evaluation. The supporting guidance describes why particular criteria have been categorised as essential or desirable, and gives further information on collecting data.

The SEF will be essential reading to those commissioning, running or evaluating weight management interventions.

We will be evaluating the usefulness and impact of the SEF over the next two years. This evaluation will be informed by both quantitative and qualitative data, including the experiences of people who have used the guidance. If you would like to be involved in this evaluation, or if you have any feedback, please contact info@noo.org.uk

The SEF is available on the NOO website.