"The idea that obesity is simply a matter of willpower is held by a great many people - including some medical professionals. Eight out of 10 people said obesity could be entirely prevented by lifestyle choices alone, according to a study of people in the UK, Australia, New Zealand and the US, which was published in medical journal The Lancet."
"But Bini Suresh, a dietitian, who has spent 20 years working with obese and overweight patients, is exasperated by the idea. This, she believes, is only a fraction of the picture. "I frequently see patients who are highly motivated, knowledgeable and trying consistently yet still struggling with weight." "Terms like 'willpower' and 'self-control' are the wrong words," agrees Dr Kim Boyd, medical director at WeightWatchers."
"She and other experts I spoke to suggest there are myriad reasons a person might be obese, some of which are not yet fully understood: but what is clear is that it is not a level playing field. Getty Images The government has turned to regulation to try to tackle this. Its most recent move banning junk food advertising on television before 9pm and completely for online promotions comes into effect today."
Many people attribute obesity to lack of willpower or personal responsibility; a Lancet study across the UK, Australia, New Zealand and the US found eight out of ten people believe lifestyle choices alone could entirely prevent obesity. Clinicians and dietitians report patients who are motivated, knowledgeable and consistently trying still struggle with weight. Experts emphasize that willpower and self-control are inadequate explanations because obesity involves complex biological, genetic and environmental factors and is not a level playing field. The UK government has banned junk food advertising on TV before 9pm and removed online promotions entirely to address rising obesity. More than one in four UK adults are affected.
Read at www.bbc.com
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