Tenth International Conference on Health, Wellness & Society

Abstract

The consequences of obesity, like those of tobacco, have ultimately become a political concern. The traditional approach of seeing obesity as an issue of personal responsibility is ineffective. This research explores the role of international law as a response to the obesity epidemic, based on fundamental values in public health ethics and the human rights to health and food. It analyses the role of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) as a model of a powerful legal instrument used by countries to implement tobacco control measures and as a substantial tool to defend them against legal challenges initiated by the industry. The current global health law approach to obesity prevention is at an early stage of development. While non-binding instruments have been adopted, they are insufficient and rely heavily on voluntary self-regulation. This research applies the model provided by the WHO FCTC to obesity prevention and argues that a binding international agreement, rooted in the right to health and the right to food, has untapped potential to improve global health by establishing norms, targets, specific obligations, and accountability mechanisms in addressing obesity.