AP-NORC Surveys Public Opinion on Obesity-Related Issues

A recent survey conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public
Affairs Research (AP-NORC) indicates that even though Americans apparently
understand many of the reasons behind increasing rates of obesity and the
alleged link between obesity and chronic health conditions, people are split
on their support for government policies that would affect consumers’ food
and beverage choices.

“The American public has clearly gotten the message about obesity as a major public health issue, including its connection to other major health problems,” said Trevor Tompson, director of the AP-NORC Center. “What is less clear is consensus about how to address the issue and a surprising number of overweight people who are not told by their physicians that it is an issue that needs attention.”

For example, one-third of those surveyed said the government should be
deeply involved in finding ways to curb obesity, while a similar proportion
wanted little or no role for government in addressing the issue. The
rest appeared to be somewhere in the middle. Fifty-three percent of those
surveyed apportioned significant responsibility for “solving the problem” to
the food industry,