Abstract

The article discusses the value of engaging directly with potential recipients of health policies and programs aimed at reducing and preventing obesity in Australia. It presents the perceptions of obese and overweight people about the causes of obesity and the factors they believe enabled or hindered weight reduction. It is indicated that not everyone who is overweight perceives obesity as a problem. It is concluded that the factors including individual behavior, living conditions and social circumstances need to be taken into account in design of interventions and policies to reduce obesity levels in the country.