Obesogenic environments

The term obesogenic environment is used to describe a living environment that encourages high energy intake and sedentary behaviour. This can make it challenging to maintain a healthy weight.

Some examples of obesogenic environmental factors include:

• lack of opportunities for physical activity: limited access to safe spaces for physical activity, sedentary jobs, reliance on cars and increased screen time;
• food environment: widespread availability of high-calorie, nutrient-poor foods, aggressive food marketing, large portion sizes, localities with little opportunity for access to healthier food, and the high cost of healthier options; 
• factors in the wider environment causing stress and mental health and wellbeing challenges;
• economic factors: income disparities, high costs of healthy living and corporate practices prioritising profits over health;
• social and cultural influences: cultural norms prioritising convenience, family and peer influences and media promoting foods high in fat, salt and sugar.
• commercial determinants: such asthe widespread availability and promotion of foods high in fat and sugar and limited regulation of marketing of these foods.