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Ethical Considerations in Addressing Obesity Epidemic: A Case Study

This case study explores the ethical issues surrounding obesity, including causes, interventions, and societal responsibilities in addressing this public health crisis. It delves into the role of schools, industry, government, and the healthcare system in combatting obesity while protecting individuals from stigmatization and ensuring access to necessary treatment. By examining various perspectives and proposing ethical frameworks, the study aims to pave the way for effective and compassionate strategies to tackle the obesity epidemic.

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Ethical Considerations in Addressing Obesity Epidemic: A Case Study

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  1. Case study: obesity Lord Krebs Kt FRS FMedSci Chair of the Working Party on Public health: ethical issues Principal, Jesus College, University of Oxford

  2. Background • Obese = BMI ≥ 30 • Risk factor for range of chronic diseases • 30,000 deaths a year in England are attributable to obesity • 23% of men and women were obese in 2004 – trebled since 1980s • Childhood obesity increased from 10% in 1995 to 14% in 2003

  3. Causes of obesity Highly complex causes: • Food high in fat and sugar is cheaper and more available • Eating out more • Food is lower in protein • Bigger portions • Advertising • Changes to transport patterns • More lifts, escalators • Reduction in manual jobs • Labour-saving devices Need ethical framework to determine intervention

  4. Protecting children • Obesity in children is a particular concern • Schools are part of the bigger picture • Conclusions: • Schools should encourage a more positive culture towards food, cooking and physical activity • Weighing young children is crucial but reduce risk of stigmatisation • Develop criteria for intervening in the home

  5. Role of industry • Consumer choices are influenced by availability and marketing • The food industry has an ethical duty to help individuals to make healthier choices • Conclusions: • Food industry should adopt the most effective labelling scheme, and if it does not, there is justification for legislation

  6. Role of Government • Energy expenditure levels have decreased • Measures to increase expenditure: • segregating walking and cycling routes from heavy traffic • car-free zones in city centre • maintaining playgrounds • Conclusion: • town planners and architects should be trained to encourage people to be active through design of buildings and spaces

  7. Costs to the NHS • Obesity costs the state billions each year: should obese people be denied NHS treatment? • Obesity has complex causes • Unfair ‘victim blaming’ and risk of stigmatisation • Conclusion: • Not appropriate for obese people to be denied treatment • Appeals to change behaviour could be justified if help offered

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