title: On akrasia and the "prevention paradox".
abstract: The term akrasia describes the behaviour of persons who knowingly and consciously act against their better judgement and is exemplified by various unhealthy lifestyle choices. Prevention should aim to provide guidance in the choice of lifestyle. While at the individual level this is best directed towards those who are at high risk, at a general population level it is preferable to target the higher numbers of individuals at low risk rather than the fewer high-risk subjects. This is the so-called "prevention paradox". From an ethical viewpoint it is important, when planning measures to maximise the benefits for the community, not to neglect individual subjects: the common good is created by promoting and making the most of the good of the individual.
authors.affiliation: Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Petrini
mesh_terms: D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D014836:Volition
keywords: Bioethics; Prevention; Public health