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The regulatory gap in chronic disease prevention: A historical perspective

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Abstract

Experience shows that regulatory intervention can lead to substantial improvement in population health. The history of regulatory intervention in public health suggests that ‘tipping points’ necessary to catalyse regulatory change may be identified. We examine three areas in which governments have legislated to protect public health: sanitation, building standards, and vehicle emissions. We apply the lessons to regulatory reform addressing obesity and the chronic disease it causes.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Dr Meighen Katz for her comments on the manuscript. However the views and any errors are our own.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, 3004, Victoria, Australia

    Helen L Walls & Bebe Loff

  2. Building Code Consultants Limited, PO Box 99 613, Newmarket, 1149, Auckland, New Zealand

    Kelvin L Walls

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  1. Helen L Walls
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  2. Kelvin L Walls
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The history of public health regulation of sanitation, building standards, and motor vehicle emissions suggests key developments that catalyzed change. There are lessons to apply to obesity.

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Walls, H., Walls, K. & Loff, B. The regulatory gap in chronic disease prevention: A historical perspective. J Public Health Pol 33, 89–104 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1057/jphp.2011.50

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