The ongoing advancement of our understanding of how racism impacts health - both directly and structurally - is crucial for addressing the deep-rooted health inequities that persist globally. Structural racism shapes health outcomes among racialized populations, contributing to inequities in healthcare access and quality, and impacting social, political, or environmental determinants of health. Existing research also connects direct and visible manifestations of racism, such as major and everyday discrimination, to negative health outcomes. At the same time, racism does not operate in isolation. A growing body of research shows how it intersects with other systems of oppression—such as classism and patriarchy—and with broader social determinants of health, producing compounded and context-specific inequities. An intersectional lens is therefore essential to understand how overlapping structures of power and exclusion shape health and healthcare experiences. These insights are essential in conducting rigorous and thorough health research, guiding anti-racist health policy, and ultimately, ensuring equitable health for all.

Looking forward, research holds the potential to develop new methodologies and indices and unveil complexities in how racism manifests within healthcare systems and societal structures. By deepening our collective understanding, we can develop more effective interventions that target the root causes of health inequities.

We invite researchers to contribute to this special Collection on Racism and Health, focusing on advancing our understanding and addressing health inequities. Topics of interest include but are not limited to:

- Racism as a structural determinant of health

- Racism as a direct determinant of health

- Racialized health outcomes in different populations

- Intersectionality and inequities in health, healthcare access and quality

- Nexuses between social, political, and environmental determinants of health and systemic discrimination

- Anti-racist health policy frameworks and systems

- Impact of racism on mental health

- Health inequities in reproductive, maternal, and child health

- Obstetric and reproductive violence

- Community-based interventions for equitable health

- Decolonizing health research and global health epistemologies

We strongly encourage contributions from racialized scholars and authors with lived experience or expertise in addressing systemic discrimination in health research.

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3, Good Health and Well-Being and SDG 10, Reduced Inequalities.

All submissions in this collection undergo the journal’s standard peer review process. Similarly, all manuscripts authored by a Guest Editor(s) will be handled by the Editor-in-Chief. As an open access publication, this journal levies an article processing fee (details here). We recognize that many key stakeholders may not have access to such resources and are committed to supporting participation in this issue wherever resources are a barrier. For more information about what support may be available, please visit OA funding and support, or email OAfundingpolicy@springernature.com or the Editor-in-Chief.

The prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity has become a significant public health concern globally, necessitating effective and sustainable interventions. This research collection aims to compile the most recent and rigorously conducted scientific studies focused on school-based interventions designed to prevent overweight and obesity among children and adolescents. Schools provide a unique and influential environment for implementing health-promoting strategies, given their extensive reach and impact on young populations during critical developmental years.

The primary rationale behind this collection is to explore and highlight the effectiveness of various school-based programs and policies in curbing the rising trend of childhood overweight and obesity. By compiling a diverse range of studies, this collection aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of what strategies are effective, for whom, and under what conditions. The ultimate goal is to inform educators, policymakers, and health professionals about evidence-based practices that can be integrated into school curricula and environments to promote healthier lifestyles among students.

We invite submissions of original research articles, protocols, meta-analyses, and review papers that delve into various aspects of school-based interventions. Specific topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Nutritional education programs that promote healthy eating habits.

• Physical activity initiatives that encourage regular exercise and reduce sedentary behavior.

• Behavioral and psychological interventions designed to promote a positive body image and enhance self-esteem.

• Policy analyses that examine the impact of school policies on student health outcomes.

• Case studies of successful school-based interventions and their scalability.

• Longitudinal studies tracking the long-term effects of school-based health programs.

By compiling these studies, we aim to create a valuable resource that supports the development and implementation of effective strategies to combat childhood overweight and obesity within school settings.

All submissions in this collection undergo the journal’s standard peer review process. Similarly, all manuscripts authored by a Guest Editor will be handled by the Editor-in-Chief. As an open access publication, this journal levies an article processing fee (details here).

We recognize that many key stakeholders may not have access to such resources and are committed to supporting participation in this issue wherever resources are a barrier. For more information about what support may be available, please visit OA funding and support, or email OAfundingpolicy@springernature.com or contact the Editor-in-Chief.

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3, Good Health and Well-Being and SDG 4, Quality Education.