'Fat' or Fiction: Examining the Role Political and Economic Forces Play in Driving the Concern over Obesity

This paper attempts to examine the present focus on obesity by government officials, the private sector, and the general public. More specifically, this paper argues that there is a hyper-concern with obesity that stems more from well-established power dynamics and societal structures than a result of medical concern over public health. The role of political and economic forces is argued as being the reason for this hyper-concern. A critical analysis of the literature is presented to identify the underlying relevant factors that drive this hyper-concern with obesity. Finally, this paper considers the implications this hyper-concern with obesity can potentially have on the distribution of wealth, power, and influence within the public and private sector. This paper will also attempt to critically assess the clinical practice guidelines created to address obesity by the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario, the Canadian Medical Association, the American Medical Association, and the Australian government. The argument that these clinical practice guidelines lack the breadth and depth to adequately and effectively address obesity will be put forth and highlighted in the context of six specific concerns.