Policy infrastructure and mechanism to Promote "Health by All" Movement for Overturning Obesity. (30th September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lord, A; Pan, W; Li, G; Chen, H; Peng, K; Song, L; Chu, N; Liou, T; Liou, Y; Wang, Y
• Is Part Of: European journal of public health. Volume 30:Number 5(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-09-30
• Subjects: Epidemiology -- Europe -- Periodicals; Public health -- Europe -- Periodicals; 362.109405
• DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckaa166.222
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1101-1262

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Obesity is a pressing pandemic. However, major policies have targeted individual responsibility and focused on "losing weight or lowering calories". Such approach has limited effect and overlooks the hidden obesity. Methods: Under auspices of NHRI Forum, Taiwan; the WAKE.TAIWAN Research Team analyzed the global trends of policies, strategies, and literatures to formulate guiding principles for a total solution. 1. Defining obesity should go beyond body weight and emphasize more on healthy body composition and muscle mass, etc. 2. Effective obesity control strategy should facilitate building healthy living environments, lifestyle, and culture for natural flow of healthy behaviors. 3. All sectorial leaders should be involved in engaging and promoting healthy lifestyle culture and environment. Results: "Guidelines for Establishing a lifestyle and Culture of Healthy Body Build" has been published as a blueprint for policy reform and strategies development, which consists of three parts. Part I emphasizes the active roles, social responsibilities, influence, and opportunities confronted the leaders and experts in all sectors and how government may facilitate these societal engagements, "Healthy by All". The crucial sectors should include academia, NGO/NPO, industry/business, workplaces, healthcare systems, educational sectors, media and press, etc. Part II details on community spatial planning and architectural designs for healthy lifestyles. Part III proposes governmental "Health in All" infrastructure and mechanism. Conclusions: We anticipate that the Guideline may draw out expertise and volunteering in all sectors of the society and help guide the public to take initiative in building such a culture of healthy-body-build and achieving this goal in all aspects of daily life. Key messages: Emphasize on healthy body composition rather than body weight. Propagate 'Health by all' movement to foster building 'healthy physique' culture.