Much of the prevailing wisdom about the so-called ‘obesity epidemic’ is set to be challenged in a soon to be published book by Dr Michael Gard from Charles Sturt University and Associate Professor Jan Wright of the University of Wollongong.

The Obesity Epidemic: Science, Morality and Ideology brings together four years of research which examines many of the most often repeated assumptions about obesity levels in the Western world. 

“The argument at the heart of the book is that much of what people say about obesity, and particularly childhood obesity, is based on very little evidence or actually contradicts the evidence that exists,” Dr Gard said.

“In amongst the massive amount of publicity obesity has received lately, it is not difficult to find a whole series of weak and plainly false claims. Our book explores the underlying moral and ideological assumptions which cause people from a wide variety of professions to believe these claims.”

Dr Gard said “the idea that we are all doing less physical activity than our grandparents because of technology is often repeated but my review of the research suggests there is almost no meaningful connection between technology use and how much physical activity people do.

“This is particularly true for children. So often we hear talk of a ‘couch potato generation’ of children. If anything, the research literature suggests that children who use technology the most are likely to be the more not less active.

“I think people’s assumptions in this area stem from an age-old anxiety about technology. First it was pianos, then radios, then televisions and now computers. In each case, the idea that these pieces of technology have any impact on how active people are is not supported by evidence,” he said.

The book, The Obesity Epidemic: Science. Morality and Ideology will be published by Routledge and is due for release in November 2004.