Obesity has received much attention from
politicians, policymakers, healthcare
professionals, the media and the public
over the past few decades. Since the formal
recognition from the UK government in 1991
that obesity was a sufficient threat to the
health of the nation, a targeted response
to address the issue has been a policy
priority for almost 30 years. A wide range
of policies are now in place, including the
establishment of nutritional standards in
schools, programmes aimed to boost physical
activity, and weight management services.
However, while some interventions and services have been successful at the individual and
community level, there has been little impact
at population level. This report looks at what psychological
evidence and perspectives can add to help
improve our combined response to obesity. It
seeks to guide professionals and policy-makers
who are working with individuals, groups and
populations that are impacted by obesity to
take an approach that is guided by psychology.
We have sought to produce guidance that
recognises and builds on existing services,
while identifying areas where further resources,
standards, training and staff are required