Control, even though being controlled and being told what to do can be annoying, sometimes regulation and control can be justified and lead to positive results. For example, most guardians or caregivers set household rules. The rules are not set to construct the person, but to protect and educate them. Similarly, many governments have taken the responsibility upon themselves to “solve” the obesity epidemic. The problem is many have spoken out against this, and that it is not a part of the government's job to control obese people. However, government regulation is proven to have a positive result against obesity. Government regulation is the answer to the obesity epidemic.

The first reason that government regulation is the answer to the obesity epidemic is because it has been proven to work, in countries such as Chile. In the article, “Chile’s Drastic Anti-Obesity Measures Cut Sugary Drink Sales by 23%,” it states that “...the people of Chile were consuming more sugary drinks per head than any other country in the world, and counting the cost in terms of obesity, type 2 diabetes and other health problems” (Boseley 1). These concerning statistics resulted in Chile’s government to take action and alert the public. To take action, Chile’s government used different methods to inform consumers. For instance, in the article, it states “...putting clearer labelling systems on food and drink packages to tell people which products are unhealthy and cut through the noise created by food marketing” (Boseley 1). These resulted in positive results. Experts from the same article state that “...purchases of sugary drinks dropped by 23.7% during the first phase of reforms. The largest changes were in the amount of sweetened fruit drinks and sweetened dairy drinks purchased” (Boseley 2). Therefore, through Chile’s remarkable results it is proven that government regulation is effective, and the answer to solving the obesity epidemic.

Another example, that government regulation is the answer to the obesity epidemic is because there are other positive effects of the limitations, as it also can help prevent other health risks. In recent times the rise of the COVID- 19 pandemic has cost the lives of millions and now experts say that overweight people are more likely to have severe effects and contract the virus. In the article, “Government Launches New Measures to Tackle Obesity” it states “...Public Health England (PHE) that overweight people are at higher risk of hospitalization and death if they contract the coronavirus” (Cowburn 1). Therefore, with evidence from the experts at PHE, demonstrates that with the government’s help, less of the public can be affected by viruses and premature death. Additionally, the article states, “ ‘excess fat can affect the respiratory system and is likely to affect inflammatory and immune function’ " (Cowburn 2). Proven with science it can be seen that fat build up can be pernicious and patronizes the health other bodily functions. As a result, the UK government has taken a note to address these concerns, in the same article UK’s prime minister stated, “ ‘If we all do our bit, we can reduce our health risks and protect ourselves against coronavirus - as well as taking pressure off the NHS” (Cowburn 2). The UK government’s vision is to create insight into the dangers of obesity and to encourage weight loss. 

Some believe that the government should not place regulations to handle the obesity epidemic. One reason is that some people are uncomfortable with others and politics being involved with their well-being. Evidence from the article, “As an Obese Person, I am Not a Problem for the Government to Solve,” states “As an obese person, I find that incredibly dehumanizing. I am not a problem for the government to solve” (Reed 2). This opinion shares how obesity is a personal issue and not something for the government to dabble with. Another reason why some people oppose the idea of government regulation against obesity is simply how some governments approached the issue with the wrong ideas. For example, in the same article, the author criticizes the approach, “...the ‘solution’ is an increased focus on health and social education. Most of us simply don’t know enough about our own health to make properly informed choices” (Reed 2). The issue here is that some are not aware of other solutions and approaches different countries have made, and are completely opposed to the idea based on misinformation. For example, from the article “Chile’s Drastic Anti-Obesity Measures Cut Sugary Drink Sales by 23%,” it states “Chile has… adopted stark black and white labels aimed at warning and educations families about the health dangers of junk food and drinks for their children” (Boseley 1). Taking similar concerns into consideration, Chile’s solution informs the public of certain ingredients in order to educate them to make healthier choices. In addition, the proposal Chile’s government made has been applied and has resulted in overwhelmingly positive results. In fact other countries have been inspired to take a similar approach, from the article, “Chile’s Drastic Anti-Obesity Measures Cut Sugary Drink Sales by 23%,” it states “ ‘What’s amazing about Chilean regulations is how much they have already influenced international food policy’” and “ ‘... we know that at least a dozen countries have directly used Chile’s policies…” (Boseley 2). Therefore, proving that the issue is not about the government’s involvement in approaching the obesity epidemic, but how some people base their opinions on misinformation.

In conclusion, government regulation is the answer to the obesity epidemic because, despite the argument that it is not the government’s position to control people, it is proven that proper regulation and education does have positive effects and mitigates other health risks. As a result, the next step to creating a healthier future for all is the involvement of more countries to adapt mindful techniques to alert the public of unhealthy and dangerous products.

Works Cited

Reed, Jason S. "As an Obese Person, I am Not a Problem for the Government to Solve." The 

Independent (Online), 03 Aug 2020. SIRS Issues Researcher, 

explore.proquest.com/sirsissuesresearcher/document/2434966677?accountid=68117.

Boseley, Sarah. "Chile's Drastic Anti-Obesity Measures Cut Sugary Drink Sales by 23%." The 

Guardian (Online), 11 Feb 2020. SIRS Issues Researcher, 

explore.proquest.com/sirsissuesresearcher/document/2378282313?accountid=68117.

Cowburn, Ashley. "Government Launches New Measures to Tackle Obesity." The Independent 

(Daily Edition), 27 Jul 2020, pp. 8. SIRS Issues Researcher, 

explore.proquest.com/sirsissuesresearcher/document/2428230553?accountid=68117.