While a school of thought holds that governments should be accountable for improving citizens’ health, others claim that it is the responsibility of each individual. The purpose of this essay is to discuss both views and explain why I agree with the latter.
On the one hand, the proponents of the idea that it is the government’s obligation to guarantee residents’ good health tend to point out a combination of reasons. First and foremost, the state has enough power and resources to enact laws and policies regarding common dietary practices. For instance, governments can impose restrictions on the production of fast food or sugary beverages with high-fat levels. Additionally, governments could subsidize fresh fruits and vegetables, making them more affordable and accessible to the general population. This intervention is based on the premise that individuals are influenced by external factors such as marketing and price when making food choices; thus necessitating governmental involvement to protect the public’s fitness.
Despite the aforementioned arguments, I am convinced that each individual should be liable for their own health. The key rationale behind this is that they could best know the nutritional information in their food, thereby making the right decision on what to eat to sustain a healthy lifestyle. When people are responsible for their own diets, they will be more proactive in controlling their weight, practicing sports, and self-assessing their financial situation to buy healthy sustenance, and suitable products. Furthermore, imposing government regulations on dietary choices can be viewed as infringing on personal freedoms and autonomy. Therefore, promoting personal responsibility through education and awareness programs might be a more effective approach to fostering long-term behavioral change.
In conclusion, while it is not without convincing arguments supporting the government’s role in caring about citizens’ health, I contend that individuals would reap the best benefits if they take personal responsibility for their own well-being.