Legislative approaches to tackling the obesity epidemic

Abstract

Contributors: All of the authors contributed equally to the writing and revising of the manuscript and approved the final version submitted for publication.Funding: Mark Eisenberg is a National Researcher of the Fonds de la recherche en santé du Québec.

Association between neighbourhood fast-food and full-service restaurant density and body mass index: A cross-sectional study of Canadian adults

“…For instance, zoning bylaws could be implemented at the municipal level to regulate the number and density of fast-food restaurants, and their proximity to schools and hospitals, or to institute an outright ban in certain areas. 28,29 Several US cities have begun adopting similar bylaws recently. 28 Epidemiologic evidence is needed to consider and understand the effectiveness of these types of initiatives in Canada.…”

“…28,29 Several US cities have begun adopting similar bylaws recently. 28 Epidemiologic evidence is needed to consider and understand the effectiveness of these types of initiatives in Canada.…”

Defending public health policies from objections of paternalism

“…Food advertising can significantly shape the long term eating habits of children and what kinds of foods parents purchase. 17,18 Regulating marketing to children is considered acceptable because it does not disrespect the autonomous choices of children, as it would an adult, but rather seeks to prevent children from developing unhealthy food preferences. 1,7 Advertising to children is just one component of the many factors that drive the obesity epidemic and limit the ability of individuals to maintain a healthy diet.…”

The Obesity Pandemic—Whose Responsibility? No Blame, No Shame, Not More of the Same

“…Legislative interventions such as sin taxes and banning soft drink vending machines and junk food advertising to children are all relevant (15). Regressive taxation may be used to benefit the population for whom it is most oppressive.…”