Obesity Issues Problem Number 1

with regards to obese people having a higher chance of other health problems then I think it should be be addressed.

is it unhealthy and does anyone have the right to determine so?
This is a tough question but from a government's perspective if an issue is requiring funding and I believe the obesity issue does then it should have policies in place for dealing with it.

Yes obesity is a huge issue and the govt should be addressing it on every front possible, within reason.

Kia Ora
What deeply concerns me about any discussion about obesity is the implied paternalism - most discussion is always about what we think others should or should not do - it is never about me or what I should do.

By implication, whether well-motivated or not, the target audience mostly appears to be those who are already marginalized.

Obesity is the opposite end of the spectrum to bulimia but I don’t see any call to have a policy on skinniness or on image.

As human beings we are a prisoner of our genetics - fat is the most efficient way of storing surplus energy and we are programmed to store energy for future use.

So the key issue here is not a health issue but an issue of energy intake. The reality is that as food production and manufacturing has become more sophisticated and easier we are each able to readily take on more energy than we need. Couple that with less physically demanding work and a more sedentary lifestyle and our energy demand/output decreases an we get the double whammy of increased energy input with decreased demand - add a human biochemistry that has no option but to store that energy and you have obesity.

The key discussion should not be about how we measure obesity but how we encourage people to aware of their energy input and how they can influence that.

Extending the argument further I think that it is simplistic to blame food manufacturers and retailers marketing policies for the obesity pandemic - it is simply about people making choices - it again is paternalistic and smacks of sanctimony and nanny state to suggest that we legislate to solve the problem.

A key philosophical question that I would like to pose is why are we concerned about obesity?

Is it concern as an individual about ourselves and the personal effect on our own health or longevity?

Is it genuine concern for the health and well-being of others?

Or is it a manifestation of our societal concern?

Bottom line fro me is that whilst it is desirable to talk about the issue and to have policies based on increasing awareness it is in my opinion NEVER appropriate to legislate to try to solve this problem - we already know what an abject failure the prohibition of recreational drugs such as cannabis has been and the attendant problems associated with the war on drugs - why would we want to replicate that with obesity?

1) Is obesity a health problem in itself? Does obese equal unhealthy?
It is an indicator only . And not an accurate one.

2) Do we as a party founded on civil/human rights issues have a mandate to be telling people that they shouldn’t be obese?
No, we should however be protecting people rights to be fed and to be healthy. (unsure what human right that is exactly)

Obesity is linked to a number of health issues. I think that the point in recognizing obesity as a health problem is not to force people to conform, but to help people avoid health problems, if they so wish.

Like quitting smoking. They don't "force" you to stop smoking. They just give factual information to inform, and tools to stop, if you choose.

@marcwhinery
By taxing tobacco creating an artificial price could be called forcing people to stop smoking.

@marcwhinery While I agree, I don't like comparisons to smoking in these discussions.

When I drink, you don't get second-hand liver damage. When I drink Coke, you don't get second-hand obesity. If I smoked, you would get second-hand lung damage.

@colindavies Correct. Obesity as a measure is based on superficial values and outdated science.
Obesity as a endemic reality of modern living I don't discount. As a health policy we should be using positive scientifically proven basis that making healthy choices are the key to a more healthy lifestyle i.e. exercising, sleeping regularly, work- life balance, food choices etc.

Obesity is a health risk and associated with generally poorer health outcomes and higher costs of healthcare. Therefore obesity is an issue and as taxpayers who fund the health system it would be in everyones best financial interest if obesity was addressed as a health issue just as smoking has been. Grossly overweight people do affect others just like we suffered from smokers second hand smoke and discarded smoke butts. For example a grossly obese person would take two seats on a bus or make a neighbour passengers uncomfortable on a flight. I understand we have to balance peoples rights to be of whichever shape they desire but when this costs more on society it needs to be addressed

Latest info from the specialists in the obesity state in the US is that obesity is not a problem for everyone but the bigger issue is lack of exercise...current regimes beat up people rather than encourage a lifestyle improvement