title: Obesity prevention advocacy in Australia: an analysis of policy impact on autonomy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore obesity policy options recommended by stakeholders and identify their impact on individual autotomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Qualitative and quantitative methods were used. A content analysis of submissions to the Australian Government's Inquiry into Obesity was conducted. Each recommendation was categorised by its impact on autonomy, according to existing frameworks. Chi-square test for independence was used to explore the association between autonomy and stakeholder support defined as frequency of recommendation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The extent of support for a policy option was significantly associated with impact on autonomy (p<0.001). Options that reduce autonomy were least frequently recommended in every setting; but more likely in schools (27%) than other settings (<1%). Recommendations to provide incentives (9%) were more common than disincentives (2%) or restrictions (3%), and those that enhance autonomy were most widely recommended (46%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Stakeholders advocated policy options that enhance individual autonomy to a greater extent than those that diminish autonomy. Implications for public health: Targeting obesity policy options that enhance rather than diminish autonomy may be more politically acceptable across most settings, with the exception of schools where more restrictive policy options are appropriate. Re-framing options accordingly may improve leadership by government in obesity policy.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Queensland.
authors.forename: Emily
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Haynes
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health, Massey University, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Roger
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hughes
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Queensland.
authors.forename: Dianne P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Reidlinger
mesh_terms: D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006266:Health Education; D006291:Health Policy; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D018673:Nutrition Policy; D009765:Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control*; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D011050:Policy Making; D011634:Public Health; D011640:Public Policy
keywords: Nuffield; autonomy; intrusiveness; obesity; policy; public health; review