On the Obesogenic Environment
“Obesogenic environment” is not a term I’d heard, but it certainly fits. It has to do with that public health issue of our town planning not promoting healthy lifestyles, by encouraging people to do things like walk and cycle.
Individuals cannot take all the blame if they are obese - modern society adds pressure to put on weight, according to a new British report.
The study by government think-tank Foresight called for greater help to counter the “‘obesogenic’ environment” by designing towns and cities to promote walking and cycling and encouraging people to buy healthier food.
And:
“There is compelling evidence that humans are predisposed to put on weight by their biology,” the report said.
“Although personal responsibility plays a crucial part in weight gain, human biology is being overwhelmed by the effects of today’s ‘obesogenic’ environment, with its abundance of energy-dense food, motorised transport and sedentary lifestyles.
“As a result, the people of the UK are inexorably becoming heavier simply by living in the Britain of today.”
Not just Britain. Not by a long shot.
