Childhood obesity and government action – experimental evidence on public demand for childhood obesity intervention across 40 OECD countries

Abstract

Childhood obesity rates are rising sharply worldwide, creating urgent questions: does the public support government involvement? And do people see obesity as a structural or individual problem? These questions matter for the legitimacy and effectiveness of public policy. Research on comparative public attitudes remains limited. This study addresses that gap. We analyse representative survey data from forty Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries, including 39,746 respondents. Childhood obesity carries serious consequences for health, education, employment and life expectancy. Parental choices shape children’s diets and activity levels, yet government involvement remains contested, balancing policy goals against personal freedom. At the structural level, a powerful food industry drives rising obesity rates. An experimental vignette design tests the causal effect of the level of risk to a child on public support for government involvement. We also examine links between support, trust and political values and how childhood obesity is framed. A clear majority supports government involvement, consistent with child rights regulations. The level of risk to a child causally increases support. Trust and preferences for values of care and order correlate positively with support. Most respondents frame obesity as a health issue. Few identify it as a structural issue; a finding with significant implications for policy effectiveness.