Addressing the issue of obesity needs to be assigned a high priority, and a multi-agency Task Force should be established to:
confirm and clarify the nature and magnitude of the current problem
evaluate existing anti-obesity programs in Thailand as well as successful programs in other countries
develop an actionable response, with clearly assigned lines of accountability, and
measure and report the effectiveness of remedial action taken
To have a reasonable chance of success, such a Task Force would require adequate power, expertise, and budget, as well as a deadline by which they must produce measurable results. There should be a role for universities and hospitals, government agencies, NGO's and private companies in both developing and implementing the Task Force's strategy.
The general nature of some of the likely recommendations might include:
Commissioning further research into cost-effective means of reducing and treating obesity
Developing and implementing an education program aimed at all age groups, with a focus on diet and exercise, and the harmful health effects of obesity
Improving and facilitating public access to healthy recreational opportunities, for example through:
initiating a grants program to local government to facilitate the design, construction and maintenance of well-sited and adequate quality designed parks and recreation facilities
initiating a program of subsidies or rebates to private service providers to provide free or reduced-cost access to recreational activities, or treatment services