The shaded rectangle after the first column signifies the "cultural filter" representing influences varying from traditional customs and practices to media and advertising influences.
 

The causal web has a number of important uses. It provides a framework for thinking through the many social factors and sectors contributing to obesity, for identifying suitable intervention points, and for identifying allies and opponents. It also demonstrates that, although population mean BMI or obesity prevalence is the targeted outcome, appropriate indicators of success are needed at many different levels and stages of causation.