Experts are calling for a shift in focus from obesity to the food system that produces it, highlighting that a profit-driven food system is a primary cause of chronic disease. This perspective suggests that obesity acts as an intermediary, with the underlying exposure being the engineered food environment.
A series published in The Lancet indicated that ultra-processed foods are replacing traditional diets globally and contributing to chronic diseases. The series also documented more than 200 interconnected lobby groups that the industry uses to influence and block regulation.
Governments are aware of effective measures, including marketing restrictions, warning labels, fiscal policies, and ensuring schools and hospitals are free from ultra-processed foods. Protecting policymaking from industry interference is also seen as crucial.
The government's proposed healthy food standard, if implemented, could potentially reduce national obesity rates by approximately one-fifth in adults and a quarter in children. However, progress on this initiative has reportedly stalled since its announcement.