The commercial determinants of unhealthy diets

Unhealthy diets are a leading risk factor for obesity and noncommunicable disease. Food choices are made within the context of people’s social circumstances as well as the broader food environment. Food and beverage industry practices, which include market, financial and political activities to increase the sale and consumption of highly processed foods and beverages, substantially shape the food environment. To reduce the burden of unhealthy diets, there is a clear need for government-led action to disrupt the balance of power that currently favours commercial interests above public health.