The role of public health professionals in obesity policy

Abstract

Policy that creates supportive, health-enabling environments to assist people to make healthy choices in relation to food consumption and physical activity is urgently needed. Havala Hobbs and Seeman highlight the challenges of obtaining obesity policy on political agendas. Policy solutions exist; however, they involve action from mainly non-health sectors. The role of public health professionals in making this a reality will be discussed. Public health needs to increase the capacity of the sector to advocate for political support and work collaboratively to develop policy between, not just within, sectors. Leadership and political nous are necessary to gain the political support required to allow supportive environments to become a reality.