Obesity is a chronic disease underpinned by numerous genetic, biological, and environmental factors. It is a leading cause of morbidity and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, some cancers and other non-communicable diseases. Yet, the treatment options and support available for patients do not reflect the needs of this chronic disease. The common misconception that obesity is a choice has led to inadequate funding of obesity treatment, under-training of physicians and other health professionals, and confusing and potentially unhelpful public health messaging which overemphasises the role of exercise and physical activity while underemphasising the importance of changing unhealthy diets in addressing the obesity crisis. This project aims to explore perceptions among Irish adults of the causes of and solutions to the obesity crisis, using data generated from recently conducted population surveys and cohort studies.
