Resumo

MUSSINI, Micaela  e  TEMPORELLI, Karina L.. Obesity: a challenge for public policy. Estud. soc [online]. 2013, vol.21, n.41, pp.165-184. ISSN 0188-4557.

According to World Health Organization obesity has become a global epidemic. Its increasing prevalence is leading to a greater incidence of associated diseases, with a significant impact on health systems costs and a decline in life quality. The obesity has become a priority problem of public health. Market failures present in the sector is an argument that justifies government intervention. Based on this, is that the objective of this paper is to analyze market failures present in the sector and make a comprehensive compilation of public policies that have been proposed for the treatment and prevention of obesity.

Palavras-chave : market failures; public policies; obesity; overweight; asymmetric information.