Preventing Childhood Obesity - Evidence Policy and Practice.pdf

Evidence on the food environment and obesity
although there are no scientific data to support these
concerns. In fact, studies indicate the opposite: that
negative messages are better attended and more memorable
than positive ones. 50,51
Regulate food accessibility
(schools, worksites, public settings)
Food accessibility can be controlled in settings where
managers and administrators have a vested interest in
controlling the health of those who use the facilities.
For example, schools are increasingly becoming sensitive
to the problem of obesity and are replacing
unhealthy cafeteria foods with healthier choices; they
are eliminating some vending machines or the
unhealthy choices in them. Control of food accessibility
can occur at worksites as well, where employers
have an interest in reducing the medical problems
of their employees. They too could remove vending
machines and regulate what foods are available
in company cafeterias. They can offer calorie -
appropriate portions and develop policies that restrict
locations where food can be eaten and the types of
snacks that can be served at company meeting and
events. Government agencies can also regulate the
food available in public buildings and settings, as
well as prohibit the consumption of food in specific
areas. Another possibility is to restrict the number
and type of outlets that may sell foods. Just as alcohol
licences are typically limited, food sales in businesses
that do not sell food as their major mission
(book stores, hardware stores, car washes) could be
restricted. Reducing food availability would reduce
the cues that artificially stimulate feelings of cravings
and hunger as well limit opportunities for excessive
caloric intake.
Conclusion
We will be able to control our weight when the food
environment is one that does not artificially make us
hungry, that automatically provides the variety of
foods that we need, and that limits the accessibility of
the foods that make us sick. Needless to say, the
changes required would precipitate a multitude of
barriers and opposition, because many companies
would stand to lose profits from the sales of food that
are making people sick. Making the necessary changes
would require political genius and indefatigable willpower
and conviction.
Since eating is largely an automatic behavior, the
current situation that requires each and every person
to think very carefully and control what they eat in
order not to gain weight constitutes an undue burden
and is likely to interfere with our abilities to do other
things. Given that the majority of people are overweight,
this burden is too much for most of us. In fact,
many people on diets suffer from a loss of executive
functioning and impaired decision making. 52 Our
thinking power is best devoted to solving everyday
problems with our jobs, our friends, our homes, our
families and our plans for the future. Most people do
not have the spare cognitive capacity to count every
last calorie, vitamin and mineral. If we want a diet that
promotes optimal health, people will need a lot of
help. Just as we make sure the water that is available
is safe to drink, the food that is available should also
be safe, provided in the appropriate quantities for
every person, neither too much nor too little. We just
have to accept the fact that it is too hard for most
individuals to do this on their own.
References
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