Society Is to Blame

We live in an ‘obesogenic society’ where the physical and cultural environment encourages people to overeat and avoid exercise. Many aspects are relevant. The design of the urban environment determines the extent you walk and exercise, and the types of food shops and restaurants that are nearby. Poverty is arguably the single most important risk factor for obesity, and as one example poor areas have more fast-food outlets. Portion sizes have increased over time so there is ‘portion distortion’, that is, we expect more on the plate than we need. The eating of fast food outside the home is an increasing trend that is associated with a tendency to put on weight. It is concluded that society must accept its share of the blame.