Research

In our research, we focus on evidence-based interventions to support healthy and sustainable diets and to prevent obesity on a population level. We conduct effectiveness research (asking how to design interventions to make them as effective as possible) and implementation research (asking how to implement interventions successfully, sustainably and at scale). To understand the context in which interventions operate, we examine the societal, environmental and behavioural determinants of diets and diet-related health outcomes.

We work on setting-based interventions (e.g. interventions in schools, canteens and community centres) and on policy-level approaches (e.g. regulation of food marketing, food taxation, and food labelling). We are particularly interested in interventions that are scalable and promise relevant population-level impact.

To this end, we use a broad spectrum of methods, including qualitative, mixed-methods and quasi-experimental approaches. Besides, we produce evidence syntheses, including systematic reviews, scoping reviews and clinical and public health guidelines. Our research is mostly embedded in international and interdisciplinary consortia, and we work closely with policy and practice stakeholders to ensure the relevance and impact of our work.

Current projects

• Food-Frames - A system approach to the food information environment: mitigating harmful misinformation (2026-2029, further information)
  

• Food-PlanetH - Food Environments for Planetary Health (2022-2027, project webseite)
  
  
• FoodSAMSA - Food environments in Africa: Addressing Malnutrition using a Syndemics Approach (2021-2025, project webseite)
  
  
• YAHEE - Young Adults in Health-Enhancing Equitable Environments (2024-2027, project webseite)
  
  
• INFORMAS - International Network for Food, Obesity and NCD Research, Monitoring and Action Support (since 2017; project webseite)
  

Selected publications

• Leibinger A, Holliday N, Tan X, Busert-Sebela L, Schwingshackl L, Rehfuess E, Durao S, von Philipsborn P: School food environment interventions for health and sustainability. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2026, Issue 3. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD015882
  
  
• Klinger C, Okanmelu E, Delobelle P, Theurich M, Rincon Camargo D, Gedrich K, Holliday N, Rehfuess EA, Alaba O, Mchiza Z, Lambert EV, Vandevjvere S, Vanderlee L, Sacks G, von Philipsborn P: Tool for Assessing Food Industry Commitments and Practices to Address the Double Burden of Malnutrition: A Delphi Study. Globalization and Health 2026, 22 (4). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12992-025-01175-8
  
  
• von Philipsborn P, Bahlke M, Breidenassel C, Holzapfel C, Joisten C, Plachta-Danielzik S, Nothacker M, Rubin D, Rung-Friebe M, de Zwaan M, Hauner H: Prevention of Obesity among Adults: Evidence- and Consensus-based Guideline. Obesity Facts 2025, 18 (6): 656–674. https://doi.org/10.1159/000546415
  
  
• Leibinger A, Huizinga O, Emmert-Fees K, Pedron S, Laxy M, Rehfuess E, Burns J, von Philipsborn P: The impact of tiered soft drink taxes in Europe on mean sales-weighted sugar content of soft drinks: a quasi-experimental study. BMC Public Health 2025, 25 (1):2106, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-23331-w
  
  
• Holliday N, Leibinger A, Huizinga O, Klinger C, Okanmelu E, Geffert K, Rehfuess E, von Philipsborn P: Use of the WHO Nutrient Profile Model for food marketing regulation in Germany: feasibility and public health implications. Obesity Facts 2023, 17 (2): 109–120, https://doi.org/10.1159/000534542