There are certain factions of the population that think the fight to eradicate obesity should be the government’s responsibility, whereas others think that the people should bear the brunt of the responsibility. While the government can reduce unhealthy lifestyles by creating public awareness, I believe that the individual has the largest role to play by exercising and observing a healthy diet.
On the one hand, national governments can shed light on the harmfull effects of unhealthy foods. They can advertise and promote campaigns that show the downsides of eating junk food, including obesity and hypertension. By doing this, they will enable the citizens to see the worst case scenarios of engaging in these harmful activities, which migh help deter them. For example, the powerful nature of government programs can be seen with the anti-smoking movements that saved millions of lives by showing the long-term effects.
However, individuals have the highest autonomy over their actions, meaning they should engage in exercises and follow appropriate diet plans to ensure they do not become obese. If the decision comes from within the person’s heart, then it is likely to last a long time. Despite the significance of the government campaigns, none of it will be beneficial if the intended audience is unwilling to put in the effort. For instance, there are many obese patients who turn their lives around and start exercising and eating healthy foods when they learn that their lives are in danger, pointing to the importance a person’s willingness to change.
In conclusion, although the government might be an important player in reducing obesity by creating public awareness, the sole responsibility still rests with the concerned people because they have to make an important decision to change the trajectory of their lives.