The benefits of a healthy lifestyle are widely acknowledged. However, there is an ongoing debate on the question of whether such a lifestyle is a personal duty or whether governments ought to promote it by encouraging their residents. Personally, I recognize the importance of willpower, and I also believe that governments play a crucial role, as their support can considerably accelerate the adoption of healthier routines.
Undoubtedly, governmental initiatives aimed at promoting behavioral changes are important. For instance, they, alongside non-governmental organizations, can organize public awareness campaigns about nutrient-rich diets, in which they could promote the consumption of healthy foods and explain the health consequences of junk food, organize free-of-charge marathons, or subsidize sports facilities. However, these measures are insufficient, given individuals’ willingness and limited time for physical activities.
That is to say, people follow a sedentary lifestyle because they find social media and online games more entertaining, whereas physical sports, for example, require long-term discipline. Another major contributing factor to this problem is workload. In other words, individuals frequently work overtime, especially in urban cities. In cities like Tokyo, people spend 12 or more hours working per day. This occupational pressure leads to a lack of time for personal matters, such as physical activities. Moreover, workers frequently have to eat outdoors, as they do not have time to prepare meals in advance. This is why I believe that governmental support is significant.
In conclusion, while the following of a healthy lifestyle heavily depends on personal willingness, governments, as well as nonprofits, can significantly encourage them to do sports or adjust their dietary habits.