Finding the balance
Could it actually be happening? Could the government be acting on scientific advice? It seems so! For in light of growing evidence that obesity increases one's risk of dying after contracting COVID-19, the Prime Minister has unveiled a new strategy to tackle obesity levels in England. On a side note, I think this encouraging in terms of the climate movement, for it means we can continue to hope for stronger climate action so long as activism remains founded on credible scientific knowledge. Nevertheless, the government’s response has not avoided controversy. With plans to use campaigns to encourage people to “eat better” and “live healthier”, I worry that action will paradoxically facilitate the development of eating disorders among the population. Exercise and 'healthy eating' is always promoted as the goal, the yellow brick road to a happier place. Yet there can be too much of a good thing. I have seen far too many people close to me become obsessed by numbers; at first ...