Global Food Policies and Obesity: Lessons From Selected Country Experiences

Abstract

BackgroundObesity is a global public health crisis exacerbated by ultra-processed and nutrient-poor foods. Despite policy interventions, progress remains uneven due to socioeconomic, political, and industry barriers.ObjectiveThis review examines global food policies on obesity prevention, highlights implementation gaps, and suggests pathways for more equitable, coordinated action.MethodsA narrative review was conducted using literature from PubMed and Scopus (2017-2025), including peer-reviewed studies, policy documents, and international agency reports. Key search terms included "global food policies," "obesity prevention," "ultra-processed foods," "nutrition labeling," and "sugar taxes." Inclusion criteria encompassed studies on policy strategies for obesity prevention and healthier food environments.ResultsThe review categorized food policy interventions into key thematic areas: fiscal policies, nutrition labeling, marketing restrictions, regulation of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), out-of-home/food-service policies (eg, menu and nutrient labeling, portion-size and sodium limits, healthy defaults, procurement standards), school food policies, and international coordination. Evidence shows that front-of-package labeling and sugar-sweetened beverage levies are effective in some regions. Healthy food subsidies and purchase incentives yield mixed but promising results, especially among low-income groups. However, socioeconomic disparities, industry resistance, weak regulations, and poor multisector and public-private partnerships (PPPs) governance limit their scalability and sustainability.ConclusionsCurrent global food policy efforts are insufficient to curb the escalating obesity epidemic. Transformative, multisectoral, and equity-focused policy frameworks augmented by digital tools for monitoring, enforcement, and targeted health promotion are critical to accelerate progress and reduce inequities. Priority should be given to regulating UPFs, standardizing labels, tightening marketing controls, and integrating obesity prevention into health policies.