Irish public ‘least likely to blame environmental factors for obesity epidemic’ 

While most members of the public did recognise at least one environmental cause, such as greater availability of unhealthy food, they rated individual choices as just as important or more so.

People in Ireland were least likely to blame environmental difficulties in living healthily as the cause of the obesity epidemic, a study has found.

The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) examined the views of people in Ireland, the UK, and US, and how they compared to experts’ beliefs about the causes of obesity.

Members of the public believed individual decisions about diet and exercise had caused the obesity epidemic, while experts instead highlighted how modern life made it difficult for people to eat healthily and get enough exercise.

The public in Ireland were the least likely of the three countries to identify environmental causes.

The ESRI’s behavioural research unit compared perceptions of 2,400 adults across Ireland, the UK, and the US with those of 51 experts working in obesity healthcare, research, and policy.

It revealed a substantial gap, not only about what had caused the obesity epidemic, but also who was responsible for addressing it and what policies may be most effective.

While most members of the public did recognise at least one environmental cause, such as greater availability of unhealthy food, they rated individual choices as just as important or more so.

By contrast, experts pointed the finger at changes to food production and availability, marketing, portion sizes, and car-dependent neighbourhoods.

Both the public and experts perceived obesity to be a serious public health issue, but the public believed individuals were much more responsible for the obesity epidemic than businesses or governments.

Experts instead attributed significantly more responsibility to governments and businesses, aligning with scientific evidence the epidemic is largely driven by environmental causes.

The public tended to support policies such as information campaigns and subsidies for healthier foods, while experts viewed more interventionist policies, such as taxes and regulations on the fat, salt and sugar content of certain foods as both fairer and more likely to be effective.

Those members of the public who did recognise responsibility of businesses and governments also had views on policies that were closer to expert views.

“These findings show that while people believe obesity is a serious public health issue, many are not aware of the strength of environmental influences,” said Deirdre Robertson, lead author of the report.

The individual choice narrative contributes to stigma and can undermine public health efforts to reduce rates of obesity.

Chief medical officer Mary Horgan said: “This research shows the need for a shift in the public dialogue around obesity — this disease is not a personal failing.

“Obesity is a complex, multi-faceted problem and needs a multi-pronged solution, with every sector of society playing its part.

“The Department of Health is currently working on the next obesity policy action plan which will seek to transform the food environment, look for ways to modify the built environment to encourage physical activity as the default position, and to address the social and commercial determinants of obesity.”