Uni In The Brewery: Session 4

"The 'obesity epidemic': a moral panic?

Wednesday 20th September 2006, at 5:30 pm at Five Islands Brewery

By Professor Jan Wright (Faculty of Education)

Although the obesity epidemic is currently big news, few people have stopped to think about what this actually means. For example the scientific community has announced that the 'obesity epidemic' is both a consequence of 'modern Western lifestyles' as well as an urgent and unprecedented global health crisis for which nothing short of an all out 'war on obesity' will do. As a result, experts across the spectrum are now advocating profound changes to the ways we live.

But is talk of the obesity epidemic justified? Are there risks in talking up the 'crisis' or 'epidemic'?

Jan Wright, author with Michael Gard of the book 'The Obesity Epidemic: Science, Ideology and Morality', will argue that the 'obesity epidemic' is, as much as anything else, a social idea (an ideology). Sociological and feminist work on health and the body will be used to help understand why the 'obesity epidemic' has come to such prominence as a health issue in the face of considerable scientific uncertainty. In addition, she will examine the effects of 'obesity epidemic' thinking, what might be the unintended consequences of a 'war on obesity', particularly for children, young people, women and those who find themselves classified as overweight or obese.

Michelle Fraser a therapist and social worker with many years of experience working with young people, will provide the perspective of a practitioner on the consequences of current messages about fat and the healthy body.

Michelle Fraser (left) and Prof. Jan Wright

Where: Five Islands Brewery, Eastern end of the WIN Entertainment Centre
When: 5:30 until 6:30 pm, Wednesday 20th September 2006 Cost: FREE
RSVP and Information: Vicky Wallace on 4221 4126 or email vwallace@uow.edu.au