Addressing the policy cacophony does not require more evidence: an argument for reframing obesity as caloric overconsumption

Abstract

BackgroundNumerous policies have been proposed to address the public health problem of obesity, resulting in a policy cacophony. The noise of so many policy options renders it difficult for policymakers to determine which policies warrant implementation. This has resulted in calls for more and better evidence to support obesity policy. However, it is not clear that evidence is the solution. This paper argues that to address the policy cacophony it is necessary to rethink the problem of obesity, and more specifically, how the problem of obesity is framed. This paper argues that the frame “obesity” be replaced by the frame “caloric overconsumption”, concluding that the frame caloric overconsumption can overcome the obesity policy cacophony.DiscussionFrames are important because they influence public policy. Understood as packages that define issues, frames influence how best to approach a problem. Consequently, debates over public policy are considered battles over framing, with small shifts in how an issue is framed resulting in significant changes to the policy environment. This paper presents a rationale for reframing the problem of obesity as caloric overconsumption. The frame “obesity” contributes to the policy cacophony by including policies aimed at both energy output and energy input. However, research increasingly demonstrates that energy input is the primary cause of obesity, and that increases in energy input are largely attributable to the food environment. By focusing on policies that aim to prevent increases in energy input, the frame caloric overconsumption will reduce the noise of the obesity policy cacophony. While the proposed frame will face some challenges, particularly industry opposition, policies aimed at preventing caloric overconsumption have a clearer focus, and can be more politically palatable if caloric overconsumption is seen as an involuntary risk resulting from the food environment.SummaryThe paper concludes that policymakers will be able to make better sense of the obesity policy cacophony if the problem of obesity is reframed as caloric overconsumption. By focusing on a specific cause of obesity, energy input, the frame caloric overconsumption allows policymakers to focus on the most promising obesity prevention policies.

Heterogeneity in barriers regarding the motivation, the opportunity and the ability to choose low-calorie snack foods and beverages: associations with real-life choices

“…Similar trends have been detected in Europe (4,5) . Since energy expenditure decreased only slightly over the same period (2) , the obesity problem is best described as an issue of systematic caloric overconsumption (6) , with snacking as an increasingly important contributor.Literature on the relationship between weight status and snacking behaviour is inconclusive (7) . This can partly be explained by the fact that weight status is not only influenced by snacking but also by factors such as meal consumption and physical activity.…”

Consumer acceptance of intervention strategies for healthy food choices

“…Similar trends have been detected in Europe (Gracia & Albisu, 2001;Ovaskainen et al, 2005). Since energy expenditure decreased only slightly over the same period (Bleich et al, 2008), the obesity problem is best described as an issue of systematic caloric overconsumption (Shelley, 2012), with snacking as an increasingly important contributor.…”

“…Additionally, classifications determine how intervention strategies are framed, both in the public policy debate and in scientific research. This intervention framing also influences the way people perceive a public health issue and how they react to attempts to address these issues (Shelley, 2012). For optimal communication between different stakeholders within the obesity problem, a comprehensive classification system of intervention strategies thus is required.…”

“…Systematic caloric overconsumption is the main driver of increasing overweight and obesity rates in the Western world (Shelley, 2012;Swinburn et al, 2011). In the United States caloric intake through meals increased 8% from 1977 to 2006, while intake through snacks more than doubled (130%) (Popkin & Duffey, 2010).…”

“…The main goal of this thesis therefore will be to examine consumers' perspectives on promising avenues to enable healthier dietary behaviours. decades, the growth of obesity rates is primarily a result of excessive intake of energy (Shelley, 2012). Without downplaying the importance of increasing physical activity to combat overweight and obesity, the present thesis will focus on the consumption side of the obesity problem.…”