It is often argued between the two groups of society if individuals should be liberal to make decisions for their own lifestyle whether it has negative or positive impact on themselves or the political bodies should make such regulations which structures the preferences of the individuals, For instance, raising the taxes on junk food to reduce the consumption. As per my point of view, i agree with the former point.
Peace of mind is one of the aspect which can only be attained by independent decisions and an individual can be more commited to what their real urge is. To exemplify,University of Missisipi, conducted a survey in which they found teenagers who started living independently after 18 are 69% more successful then those who stayed either their families which directly correspond to their lifestyle.
Conversely, other part of society thinks that policies by the legislative bodies can help people to be more aligned with the societal values as individuals will have the fear of being charged for violating the laws. In South Korea, as an example, men are committed to serve for Army for 5 years and have to maintain physical fitness for their Job, which in return becomes their healthy lifestyle.
In my opinion, being able to be decisive for your own life gives an opportunity to experience different aspects of life,As an individual grows better when its learned from the lessons of life and gives better shape to the life which makes them creative and productive. The data compared by central board of secondary education of India in 2005 found that children performed better in their Scholastic studies when they were allowed to attend school as per their choice.
To conclude, Although government can better aid the individual to instill the social values within people from the very beginning but independent choices can help a person to achieve a serenity of thoughts and help them to learn the life through experience.