When the Forces of Industry Conflict with the Public Health: The Case of Obesity‪.‬

ABSTRACT When the growth and prosperity of an industry, or industries, depend upon perpetuating a preventable human infirmity, what are the incentives to enlighten the public and thereby change the pathology of that infirmity? None, according to this pessimistic case addressing one of the most prevalent disabilities in America: obesity. While the "business" of obesity is the central theme of this article, the discussion mirrors a similar conundrum throughout the healing industries--and it raises a troubling ethical dilemma. As with obesity, major industries have grown up around virtually every common human ailment, and to insure growth in these business sectors those ailments are conveyed as normal, predictable, and unavoidable--with relief available for purchase in the drugstore, in the bookstore, or on the operating table.