2.3 Is obesity the responsibility of the individual concerned?

Interventions or solutions for the problem of obesity are not straightforward. Furthermore, obesity is usually treated as the responsibility of individuals or families, not as a social issue. This is problematic, as social, cultural, political and economic factors are major contributors to obesity. Put simply, the challenge of adult obesity cannot be explained as being entirely ‘the individual’s fault’.

You have considered the social, cultural, political and economic factors that are thought to have an impact on adult obesity. This section has encouraged you to think about such factors in relation to a person’s lifestyle, to aid in understanding how they impact upon an individual’s health and wellbeing.

Next, you will consider how change can be made at the policy level to tackle obesity.