RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 The case for developing a cohesive systems approach to research across unhealthy commodity industries JF BMJ Global Health JO BMJ Global Health FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd SP e003543 DO 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-003543 VO 6 IS 2 A1 Cécile Knai A1 Mark Petticrew A1 Simon Capewell A1 Rebecca Cassidy A1 Jeff Collin A1 Steven Cummins A1 Elizabeth Eastmure A1 Patrick Fafard A1 Niamh Fitzgerald A1 Anna B Gilmore A1 Ben Hawkins A1 Jørgen Dejgård Jensen A1 Srinivasa Vittal Katikireddi A1 Nason Maani A1 Nicholas Mays A1 Modi Mwatsama A1 Rima Nakkash A1 Jim F Orford A1 Harry Rutter A1 Natalie Savona A1 May C I van Schalkwyk A1 Heide Weishaar YR 2021 UL http://gh.bmj.com/content/6/2/e003543.abstract AB Objectives Most non-communicable diseases are preventable and largely driven by the consumption of harmful products, such as tobacco, alcohol, gambling and ultra-processed food and drink products, collectively termed unhealthy commodities. This paper explores the links between unhealthy commodity industries (UCIs), analyses the extent of alignment across their corporate political strategies, and proposes a cohesive systems approach to research across UCIs.Methods We held an expert consultation on analysing the involvement of UCIs in public health policy, conducted an analysis of business links across UCIs, and employed taxonomies of corporate political activity to collate, compare and illustrate strategies employed by the alcohol, ultra-processed food and drink products, tobacco and gambling industries.Results There are clear commonalities across UCIs’ strategies in shaping evidence, employing narratives and framing techniques, constituency building and policy substitution. There is also consistent evidence of business links between UCIs, as well as complex relationships with government agencies, often allowing UCIs to engage in policy-making forums. This knowledge indicates that the role of all UCIs in public health policy would benefit from a common approach to analysis. This enables the development of a theoretical framework for understanding how UCIs influence the policy process. It highlights the need for a deeper and broader understanding of conflicts of interests and how to avoid them; and a broader conception of what constitutes strong evidence generated by a wider range of research types.Conclusion UCIs employ shared strategies to shape public health policy, protecting business interests, and thereby contributing to the perpetuation of non-communicable diseases. A cohesive systems approach to research across UCIs is required to deepen shared understanding of this complex and interconnected area and also to inform a more effective and coherent response.