Why we must take a bold, compassionate, evidence-based approach to obesity

Obesity is typically framed as an individual responsibility, with people being told that ‘eat less, move’ more is the simple solution. But this oversimplifies an increasingly complex issue and overlooks the systemic factors which shape our health.

Lead of our Healthy and Active 100 research theme Dr Cath Homer, of the School of Sport and Physical Activity, has written for the Converstion about the multifactoral nature of obesity and how obesogenic environments don’t affect everyone equally.

Many obesity strategies remain focused on individual behaviour change, which, when used in isolation can be ineffective and fuel harmful weight stigma. Strategies must move beyond individual blame and focus on the structural and socioeconomic factors that shape obesity risk, from food systems to inequality.

Read the full article: https://theconversation.com/obesity-care-why-eat-less-move-more-advice-is-failing-254628