Rapid review: Addressing the social and commercial determinants of healthy weight

Abstract

In this report we examine the social and commercial determinants of obesity. Dietary practices, levels of physical activity and the conditions in which people are born, learn, live, work and age are shaped by deeper social structures and processes, including economic, social and health policies and priorities; commercial policies, practices and products; the governance arrangements that develop and implement policy and action; and the cultural norms and values that pervade society. It is within this context that we understand how choosing to eat healthy food, being physically active and maintaining energy balance requires people to be empowered to make these choices. It means that the healthy choice must be physically, financially and socially the easier and more desirable choice relative to the less healthy option. This is not always the case, particularly with decreasing social position, rendering unequal choices. This evidence review will inform the development of a national obesity strategy for Australia and forms a companion Evidence Check review to: Sacks G, Looi E, Cameron A, Backholer K, Strugnell C et al. Population-level strategies to support healthy weight: an Evidence Check rapid review brokered by the Sax Institute (www.saxinstitute.org.au) for the Queensland Department of Health on behalf of the national obesity strategy Working Group.