Support for obesity policy: The effect of perceptions of causes for obesity and national identity in Canada

Abstract

Interventions in Canada to address obesity have largely been limited to individual-level change through education rather than a population-level public policy approach. Little is known about obesity policy support in Canada, and substantial national variation in obesity policy support prevents direct transferability of these policies among nations. Our study recruited 521 young adults for an online survey through leaflets and flyers. We investigated how respondents’ demographics, health characteristics, political attitudes, beliefs regarding causes of obesity, and national identity affected their support for obesity policy. Results showed that there is high support for many obesity policies among Canadian young adults. Including Canadian national identity in regression models was significant in explaining obesity policy support beyond the combined effect of other predictors. Further exploration of national identity, in Canada and elsewhere, has implications for understanding obesity policy support that might assist policy makers in making more informed decisions in addressing obesity

Should support for obesity interventions or perceptions of their perceived effectiveness shape policy?

“…31,32 The industry's widely promulgated view that overweight and obesity is self-inflicted, and thus a problem that those affected should address, has gained considerable traction among the public. 3,[12][13][14]29,[31][32][33][34][35][36][37] Our findings reflect many industry claims.…”

“…This discrepancy between experts' assessments and public support may reflect the food industry's influence on obesity discourse 31,32 . The industry's widely promulgated view that overweight and obesity is self‐inflicted, and thus a problem that those affected should address, has gained considerable traction among the public 3,12–14,29,31–37 …”

“…Public opinion polls often attempt to inform this debate by investigating perceived causes of obesity and support for obesity‐related interventions that span the up‐stream and down‐stream continuum. Many polls report that the public see poor decision making as causing obesity and view the solution as more education and personal responsibility, 7,9–13 a stance supported by the food industry. Some studies report respondents see the widespread availability of unhealthy foods as causing obesity, but most find that a majority holds individuals themselves (or parents) responsible for addressing obesity 4,5,9–12,14–17 …”

“It is not the diet; it is the mental part we need help with.” A multilevel analysis of psychological, emotional, and social well-being in obesity

“…However, a population-level policy approach to obesity management requires advocacy and support from the public to encourage government implementation (Huang et al, 2015; Lange & Faulkner, 2012). The public’s classification of obesity as caused by individual behaviour, or attributed mainly to environmental factors outside one’s control, influences the amount of public support for policies that either penalize or assist individuals living with obesity (Thibodeau, Perko, & Flusberg, 2015).…”

“…Raine and colleagues (1989) found that key Canadian influencers of public health policy in government, workplaces, school boards, and print media strongly endorsed (99%) individual-focused obesity policy approaches. A survey of undergraduate students at the University of Toronto revealed over 50% support for redistributive, compensatory, and price-raising policies as part of obesity management (Lange & Faulkner, 2012). Of the few Canadian studies that looked at potential obesity-related policies, most focused on individual behaviour change and environmental strategies.…”