This report looks at how government can improve nutrition and health outcomes for the public, arguing that the prevailing governmental approach, largely based on promoting personal responsibility, is insufficient. The authors argue that the food system is stacked against individuals, who cannot easily change if they live in an environment that makes that change difficult or impossible.

Obesity is New Zealand's leading risk factor for death and disability, ahead of smoking. More than a third of the country's adults, and one in eight children, are living with obesity: the third highest rate in the OECD. These numbers are significantly worse for Māori and Pasifika individuals.

The authors argue that obesity should be addressed by government intervention in much the same way that smoking was: shifting the conversation away from individual choice to focus on the commercial environment and social determinants that influence consumer choices.

Recommendations

1. Through a combination of regulation and incentives, create a commercial food environment that makes it easier to eat healthily. Priorities should include:
   • introducing fiscal levers to incentivise reformulation of products high in sugar and salt,
   • regulating for comprehensive protection of children and young people from junk food marketing,
   • mandatory use of the health star rating on all packaged food, and
   • giving local councils the ability to limit the prevalence of unhealthy food outlets.
2. Embed healthier food across all key public sector and educational entities such as hospitals, early childhood education, and schools to promote long-term health – particularly for children and the vulnerable. 
3. Consider adopting new treatments to improve the prevention and treatment of obesity as complementary tools for those at most risk.