What childhood obesity teaches the field of public health about the meaning of health and justice and the role of public health in society

Through a philosophical analysis and by using the example of childhood obesity, this paper argues that health must realistically and logically reside in the person and this requires it to be a physical and natural phenomenon. This paper discusses how alternative views of health and a good life are subjective human constructs that create tensions and conflicts for the field of public health in its desire to reduce childhood obesity, achieve health and enhance social justice for children.

Historical, ethical and epidemiological evidence are presented supporting the idea that autonomy-based programs are limited in reducing widespread harm related to the prevalence of obesity that has doubled for children and tripled for adolescents over the past 2 decades. It is also argued that social and environmental conditions among particular communities and groups of children have lead to health disparities and a disproportionate distribution of risk factors contributing to higher rates obesity and the presence of social injustice. This reality can justify public health and political authority's use of paternalism-based programs that temper autonomy-based programs when pursuing what is best for children.

Meanings of health, a good life and social justice are presented. The author recognizes that health is a necessary precondition to a higher-order value of a good life. However, this paper argues that within a pubic heath framework, achieving an objective phenomenon of health for children is of greater value and a higher priority than the pursuit of a human construct for a good life.