Using Performance-Based Regulation to Reduce Childhood Obesity
Author Information
Author(s): Stephen D Sugarman, Nirit Sandman
Primary Institution: School of Law, University of California, Berkeley, USA
Hypothesis
Can performance-based regulation effectively reduce childhood obesity rates?
Conclusion
Performance-based regulation could be a promising approach to significantly lower childhood obesity rates by holding food companies accountable for their products.
Supporting Evidence
- Childhood obesity rates have significantly increased in both Australia and the United States over the past few decades.
- Performance-based regulation has been successful in other areas, such as pollution control.
- The food industry has historically deflected blame for childhood obesity onto parents and schools.
Takeaway
This study suggests that food companies should be responsible for helping to reduce childhood obesity, just like how tobacco companies were held accountable for smoking. If they don't meet their goals, they could face fines.
Methodology
The proposal involves assigning food companies performance targets related to reducing childhood obesity rates, with penalties for non-compliance.
Potential Biases
Potential bias from food companies framing childhood obesity as a personal responsibility issue rather than a public health concern.
Limitations
The effectiveness of performance-based regulation is yet to be tested in practice, and there may be challenges in measuring success accurately.
Participant Demographics
Focus on children, particularly those in schools with high obesity rates.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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