IntroductionObesity has reached epidemic proportions globally with at least 2.8 million people dying as a result each year (World Health Organization). Among others, the food industry, governments and the private sector all have a vital role to play in contributing to the prevention of obesity or, more controversially, the maintenance of obesity. These groups have the power to govern the constitutional elements of food consumption, distribution, inspection, regulation, control, and production. Competition within the industry is inevitable as it strives to provide food in staggering abundance, at such low cost and regardless of geography or season. These high production rates have given rise to powerful conglomerates as companies have merged to increase overall influence and reduce competition. In order to safeguard these positions, regulatory issues and conflicts of interest manifest themselves in questionable industry-funded food research focused on the potential health benefits of their products (Sharma); these are led by government organizations responsible for promoting healthy eating habits but are funded by food manufacturers. They attempt to provide scientific evidence to pressure the government to ensure a favorable legal framework to influence the implementation of nutrition policies. This repeatedly indicates that commercial interests are winning over health concerns. Countless resources have been spent developing and marketing products that will sell regardless of the global “eat less” message. In this essay I will explore how the food industry is promoting an environment where the net result is increased body weight. Global Perspectives Global patterns indicate that public health... at the heart of the paper... oogle.co.uk/books?id=GZVweuXhZlkC&pg=PA469&lpg >.University of Washington. “Researcher Links Rising Tide of Obesity to Food Prices.” ScienceDaily. Science Daily, 16 July 2008. Web. 13 June 2014. .Wikipedia. "Food Policy". Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 15 June 2014. Web. 16 June 2014. .Wikipedia. "Lobbying in the United States." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 6 June 2014. Web. 11 June 2014. .Wikipedia. "Obesity in China." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 15 June 2014. Web. 16 June 2014. .World Health Organization. “10 Facts About Obesity.” WHO. World Health Organization, nd Web. 9 June 2014. .